Harrison Butker Stands Firm: I Want to Please ‘Not People, but Jesus Christ’

Michael Foust

Audio By Carbonatix

By Michael Foust, Crosswalk.com

NFL star and Super Bowl champion Harrison Butker says he has no regrets over a now-viral commencement speech because it is Christ, and not people, that he is “trying to please.” The Kansas City Chiefs placekicker and three-time Super Bowl champion made his latest remarks at an event for Regina Caeli Academy, where he serves on the board of directors.

“If it wasn't clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now,” Butker said. “Over the past few days, my beliefs – or what people think I believe – have been the focus of countless discussions around the globe.”

The controversy over Butker’s beliefs began last month during a commencement speech at Benedictine College when he criticized “dangerous gender ideologies” that he said are being pushed “onto the youth of America.” One of “the most important titles” in the world, he said during the earlier speech, is the title of homemaker. He told males in the audience to fight “against the cultural emasculation of men.”

“The more I've talked about what I value most – which is my Catholic faith – the more polarizing I have become,” Butker said in his latest remarks. “It's a decision I've consciously made, and one I do not regret at all. If we have truth in charity, we should trust in the Lord's providence and let the Holy Ghost do the rest of the work.”

People of faith, Butker said, must follow God’s will no matter the cost.

“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,” Butker said. “Glorifying God, and not ourselves, should always remain our motivation, despite any pushback, or even support. I lean on those closest to me for guidance, but I can never forget that it is not people, but Jesus Christ, who I'm trying to please.”

He urged Christians to “never be afraid to speak out for truth, even when it goes against the loudest voices.” Meanwhile, Butker said the criticism he has received pales in comparison to the persecution others have faced – both in the past and present.

“I can't help but tremble at the thought of the courage many saints have shown in their lives,” he said. “Would I be so bold if the repercussion was what Daniel faced in being fed to lions? In reality, any courage I've shown will lead to some small suffering, and it will lead to some people maybe never liking me. But that could be God's will. 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. 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.”

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.