Harrison Butker ridiculed for comparing himself to a 'saint' while defending 'homemakers' graduation speech

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker compared himself to a "saint" while doubling down on his Benedictine College commencement speech. 

The devout Catholic faced intense criticism for urging women to follow traditional gender roles, disregard "diabolical lies" told to them about abortion, in vitro fertilization, and surrogacy, and embrace their duty as "homemakers," a stance that the NFL has now distanced itself from, during his May 11 address. 

Harrison Butker likens himself to saints while defending his Benedictine College commencement speech

Butker reiterated his stance on Friday, May 24, at Nashville's Courage Under Fire Gala, his first public appearance since delivering the contentious graduation speech.

"The theme for tonight’s gala, Courage Under Fire, was decided many months ago, but it now feels providential that this would be the theme after what we have all witnessed these last two weeks," said the 28-year-old kicker, adding, "Our love for Jesus, and thus, our desire to speak out, should never be outweighed by the longing of our fallen nature to be loved by the world," as per The Mirror.

He went so far as to compare himself to Saint Daniel in his address at the event hosted by the Regina Caeli Academy. 

Butker noted, "Over the past few days my beliefs, or what people think I believe, have been the focus of countless discussions around the globe. At the outset, many people expressed a shocking level of hate. But as the days went on even those who disagreed with my viewpoints shared their support for my freedom of religion."

"As to be expected, the more I've talked about what I value most, which is my Catholic faith, the more polarizing I have become," added the Chiefs kicker. 

He continued by saying that he did not "regret at all" his choice and that he was attempting to serve Jesus Christ rather than other people, according to Daily Mail.

"I can't help but tremble at the thought of the courage many saints have shown in their lives. Would I be so bold if the repercussion was what Daniel faced in being fed to lions?" asked Butker, citing Daniel 6:22. 

"In reality, any courage I have shown will lead to some small suffering, and it will lead to some people never liking me. If I constantly remind myself of the hardships the saints went through, especially the martyrs and their persecution, it makes it all seem not so bad," expressed the NFL star. 

The football player hoped others would get the courage to be unapologetic for their Catholic faith and "never be afraid to speak out for truth even when it goes against the loudest voices."

Butker further stated, "Being disliked and mischaracterized by some is nothing compared to finding yourself in a lion's den," as the audience broke out into applause. 

Harrison Butker draws flak as he compares himself to a saint

Netizens weren't keen on Butker's latest speech at the Nashville gala as one said, "He should probably stop talking now!!!"

Another remarked, "Me reading that Harrison Butker is now likening himself to a martyr…due to the natural backlash he experienced after saying highly offensive idiotic things. Sure buddy. You’re a real saint."

A person questioned, "What is this ridiculous s**t?" and someone else added, "Something really wild is happening in the world... Praise Jesus Christ!"

"Maybe his controversial stance will sell more tickets to the games," quipped another person. 

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