Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker delivered a passionate speech during the graduation ceremony at Benedictine College, touching on a range of topics, from societal challenges to personal values. Butker, addressing the class of 2024 at the conservative Catholic college in Kansas, didn’t shy away from expressing his views on COVID lockdowns, abortion, and the importance of traditional values.
In his address, Butker highlighted what he sees as the detrimental effects of what he called the “pervasiveness of disorder” in society, attributing societal breakdown and poor leadership to this phenomenon. He criticized COVID lockdowns and voiced concerns about the support for abortion, IVF, surrogacy, and euthanasia, linking them to what he perceives as a broader cultural decline.
#Chiefs K Harrison Butker with a message to young men around the world:
“Be unapologetic in your masculinity. Fight against the cultural emasculation of men. Do hard things. Never settle for what is easy.”
(via: @dannydeurbina)
pic.twitter.com/1z2BXI132C— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) May 14, 2024
'I am certain the reporters at the AP could not have imagined that their attempt to rebuke and embarrass places and people like those here at Benedictine, wouldn't be met with anger but instead met with excitement and pride. Not the deadly sin sort of pride that has an entire… https://t.co/0kFntf4C2G pic.twitter.com/ejTrV4onqL
— The College Fix (@CollegeFix) May 13, 2024
Butker didn’t hesitate to address political figures, including President Joe Biden, whom he criticized for publicly proclaiming his Catholic faith while supporting abortion rights. He also aimed at Dr. Anthony Fauci and individuals advocating for gender ideology, noting their Catholic backgrounds.
The kicker also raised concerns about the shutting down of churches by bishops during the pandemic, suggesting that fear motivated such decisions. He called on the graduates to embrace traditional values, pointing to the growth of Benedictine College as evidence of the appeal of these values.
Butker’s speech took a personal turn when he addressed the graduates, particularly directing his comments towards female students. He encouraged them to prioritize marriage and motherhood over career pursuits, sharing anecdotes about his own wife’s journey as a homemaker.
For male students, Butker emphasized the importance of embracing masculinity and resisting societal pressures to conform to cultural norms that he believes undermine traditional values. He urged them to take on challenges and avoid settling for what is easy.
Overall, Butker’s speech underscored his belief in the significance of traditional values and the importance of personal conviction in navigating contemporary challenges.