Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker, recently faced backlash for remarks he made during a commencement speech, suggesting that female graduates were most looking forward to becoming wives and mothers.
Butker comes from a distinguished background, being raised by Elizabeth Keller Butker, a renowned medical physicist at Emory University’s Department of Radiation Oncology since 1988, as per her LinkedIn profile.
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Elizabeth was inspired by her father, James W. Keller, who held significant appointments in Emory’s Winship Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology for 13 years and the Winship Department of Radiation Oncology for 15 years.
Elizabeth Keller Butker confirmed her relationship to Harrison in a statement to the university during his Super Bowl run in 2020.
“What an amazing ride these past three years have been for us watching Harrison play for the Chiefs!” she said. “We are so proud not only of Harrison’s success as a kicker in the NFL but also of the man he has become. Let’s GO CHIEFS!”
The 28-year-old kicker faced criticism for his comments to female graduates at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.
He stated, “You have had the most diabolical lies told to you,” and questioned how many were thinking about promotions and titles they would achieve in their careers. He added, “Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
Butker has previously mentioned that his wife, Isabelle Butker, felt her life began “when she started living her vocation as a wife and as a mother.”
The couple has two children together.
The kicker’s remarks, which also included criticisms of Pride Month and COVID policies, led to significant backlash, with calls for his removal from the team.
An online petition calling for Butker’s release has nearly 140,000 signatures, almost enough to fill Arrowhead Stadium, which seats around 76,000.
Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star wrote an op-ed stating, “This wasn’t a case of foot-in-mouth. It was a well-prepared speech. And I’d argue the backlash has not prompted him to regret one bit of what he said.”
