Harrison Butker Doubles Down on Controversial Graduation Speech: 'I Was Very Intentional'

Mar. 15, 2025

Harrison Butker on Feb. 12, 2023.Photo:Cooper Neill/Getty

Cooper Neill/Getty

Months after his highly controversial commencement speech, Kansas City Chiefs kickerHarrison Butkeris speaking out regarding his “very intentional” words.

“I feel like, seven years in the league, having this platform, I’ve just decided, ‘You know what, there’s things that I believe wholeheartedly that I think will make this world a better place, and I’m going to preach that.’ And if people don’t agree, they don’t agree, but I’m going to continue to say what I believe to be true and love everyone along the way,” Butker said.

He continued, adding: “I prayed about it, and I thought about it, and I was very intentional with what I said, and I stand behind what I said.”

Harrison Butker on Feb. 5, 2024.Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty

Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty

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The NFL player’s 20-minute address included attacks on working women, the LBGTQ+ community and families who utilize surrogacy and in vitro fertilization (IVF), President Joe Biden and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, the NFL’s Chief Diversity Officer Jonathan Beane said, “Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”

Former Kansas City commissioner Justice Horn went further, slamming Butker in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). “Harrison Butker doesn’t represent Kansas City nor has he ever,” hewrote. “Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members.”

Butker’s teammates also spoke out about his speech. On the May 24 episode of theNew Heights with Jason and Travis Kelcepodcast, Travis Kelce said, “I cherish him as a teammate.”

“He’s treated friends and family that I’ve introduced to him with nothing but respect and kindness. And that’s how he treats everyone. When it comes down to his views and what he said at [Benedictine’s] commencement speech, those are his," the tight end continued.

source: people.com