NFL breaks silence on Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s controversial comments on women

Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Harrison Butker made headlines for his controversial comments on women during a graduation speech in mid-May. Butker faced massive backlash for his takes, and the NFL broke its silence on the matter with a decisive statement.

Harrison Butker has voiced controversial views in the past, but his commencement speech at Benedictine College in Kansas sparked major discourse. Butker went on a tirade of his opinions, one of which was centered around the role of women in society.

Butker spoke about how women graduating had been told “diabolical lies” about their college education. He believes many will have successful professional careers but that others are essentially destined to be a housewives.

The NFL released a statement shortly after Butker’s comments:

“Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity,” Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, told People magazine in a written statement, per Yahoo Sports. “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.”

The NFL does not condone the Chiefs kicker’s comments, and his team likely does not either.

Harrison Butker joined the Chiefs in 2017 when the team selected him in the seventh round of the draft. He has put up stout kicking production over his last seven seasons with the team. Butker helped contribute to the Chiefs’ three championships in five years. He comes off a career year in 2023-24.

Butker made 100 percent of his extra-point kicks (first in the NFL), amassed 137 points (fourth), and made 94.3 percent of his field goals (eighth). In addition, Butker’s longest kick was 60 yards (tied for fourth).

The coveted kicker needs to stay focused to help him achieve an incredible feat in 2024-25.

Chiefs look to three-peat in 2024-25

Kansas City is coming off a thrilling 25-22 Super Bowl 58 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The Chief’s championship solidified their status as an all-time great dynasty. KC has many stout contributors, but the impact of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes cannot be understated.

The 28-year-old threw for 4,183 yards and 27 touchdowns and helped rally the Chiefs to wins throughout the entirety of the playoffs. Head coach Andy Reid shouted Mahomes out as the key to his and Kansas City’s success after their Super Bowl win in February.

Reid told reporters at the 2024 Scouting Combine that the way to attain success as a coach is to “get a good quarterback.” Reid has supreme confidence in Mahomes, and Mahomes displayed the same confidence in his team during the Chief’s championship parade.

Mahomes confidently assured fans that Kansas City’s three-peat quest was underway.

“We appreciate everything ya’ll do…we know we had to go on the road last year, but I promise you next year we’ll be at home. We’re going for that three-peat so don’t get it twisted. We’re doing it. Three times, the first time in NFL history. Love ya’ll,” Mahomes said.

It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs can achieve their lofty ambition in 2024-25.