Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is no stranger to controversy.
The 29-year-old special teamer ruffled quite a few feathers last spring when he gave a commencement speech at Benedictine College. Among a host of topics Butker, a devout Catholic, touched on, his comments about women’s roles in the workforce and at home rubbed a large group of people the wrong way.
Butker stated women had “diabolical lies” told to them about their careers, promotions, and climbing the corporate ladder while suggesting they should be excited about getting married, starting families and being a homemaker instead.
And while his statements riled up several groups of people who believed his comments were tone-deaf and disingenuous, others have spoken out in support of Butker following his polarizing remarks, including many of his teammates, and more recently Gracie Hunt, the daughter of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt.
During a recent appearance on Riley Gaines’ “Gaines for Girls” podcast, Hunt defended Butker’s comments and credited his bold display of faith for inspiring many of his teammates like quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has spoken quite a bit about his faith and relationship with God during his Super Bowl media availability this week.
“Harrison is an amazing guy, and the most kind, genuine person,” Hunt said. “He is an awesome family man, they're so sweet and precious. I think what's been really cool to see this year especially, is that it's such a sense of iron sharpening iron. Harrison and his boldness in his faith encourages other guys to be bold in their faith.
“You've seen Patrick be so bold in his faith and thanking God right off the bat when we won the AFC Championship. Boldness empowers boldness, and it's just so refreshing to see, and I think he's such a light to everybody around him.”
Butker is still asked to this day about the comments he made during his commencement speech, which drew a standing ovation from the crowd at the event.
The three-time Super Bowl champion won’t back down from anything he said though, telling reporters that he’s not afraid to say and do what he believes is right according to his faith.
“God has given me this platform and I'm going to say what I believe to be true and what I hold close to my heart,” Butker said. “Anything that comes, I'm blessed to be on the Chiefs and be in another Super Bowl.”
