EXCLUSIVE: Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker Breaks Silence, Says He Will Continue To Be ‘Unapologetic’ Catholic | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's Note: This post appears here courtesy of the The Daily Wire. The author of this post is Zach Jewell.

    NASHVILLE - Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made his first public remarks on Friday night following his viral commencement speech at a Catholic university that caused a leftist meltdown, stating that the "shocking level of hate" will not deter him from being "unapologetic" about his faith.

    "If it wasn't clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now," Butker said at the Courage Under Fire gala in Nashville, in support of a Catholic charity. "Over the past few days, my beliefs, or what people think I believe, have been the focus of countless discussions around the globe."

    "In my seven years in the NFL, I've become familiar with positive and negative comments. But the majority of them revolve around my performance on the field," Butker said. "But, as to be expected, the more I've talked about what I value most, my Catholic faith, the more polarizing I've become. It's a decision I've consciously made, and one I do not regret at all."

    The three-time Super Bowl champion kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs came under fire earlier this month after he delivered a speech at a Catholic university that criticized President Joe Biden for supporting abortion, as well as "the people pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America." He was also criticized for praising stay-at-home moms.

    "It cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife, and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker," Butker said during the commencement speech, delivered at Benedictine College.

    Though the comments were criticized on the Left - a Change.org petition called for the Chiefs to dismiss Butker for his remarks that it deemed "sexist, homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion, and racist" - he's been embraced by teammates and the public. The veteran NFL player has won public support from his head coach Andy Reid, as well as star teammates Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones.

    Butker's jersey sales also skyrocketed following his commencement address as people rushed to NFL Shop, making Butker's jersey one of the most popular in the entire league. Though the media showcased anger from women, his jersey actually sold out in women's sizes.

    He touched on the support during his Friday address. "As the days went on, even those who disagreed with my viewpoints shared their support for my freedom of religion," Butker said.

    Butker's Friday night speech was followed by remarks from Daily Wire hosts Matt Walsh and Michael Knowles, among other speakers, at the "Courage Under Fire" event in Nashville. The charity event was hosted by Regina Caeli Academy - a classical homeschool hybrid academy for Catholic families. The event was sponsored by Bentkey, The Daily Wire's kids entertainment streaming service.

    "The theme for tonight's gala, Courage Under Fire, was decided many months ago," Butker said. "But it now feels providential that this would be the theme after what we have all witnessed these past two weeks."

    Butker, who is on the board of Regina Caeli Academy, delivered his speech before the main address, which was given by Walsh. Knowles and Walsh are both receiving the "Courage Under Fire Honorees in the Culture" award.

    He said he hopes his response to the public criticism will embolden others to be courageous about their faith.

    "For if heaven is our goal, we should embrace our cross, however large or small it may be, and live our life with joy, to be a bold witness for Christ," Butker said.

    "My hope is that tonight's theme, and RCAs mission, will embolden others, that many more will be unapologetic of their Catholic faith and never be afraid to speak out for truth, even when it goes against the loudest voices," Butker said.