Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker, made a notable appearance at the ESPYs in Los Angeles on Thursday evening, just two months after delivering a controversial graduation speech at a private liberal arts college in Kansas.
The 28-year-old, who ranks second in NFL history for the highest career field goal percentage (89.1%), walked the red carpet in a creamy-hued tuxedo, pinstriped pants, and black dress shoes, sans his wife, Isabelle.
Harrison Butker made a solo appearance at the ESPYs red carpet in LA, donning a creamy tuxedo
Butker’s appearance in Los Angeles on Thursday comes after his controversial speech in May
Butker’s recent outing comes on the heels of his quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, receiving two nominations, along with the Chiefs. Mahomes is up for the ‘Best NFL Player’ and ‘Best Athlete, Men’s Sports’ awards, while the Chiefs are the only NFL team to be nominated for ‘Best Team’ honors.
In May, Butker sparked controversy with his commencement speech at Benedictine College in Hutchinson, Kansas, where he made contentious remarks about abortion, US President Joe Biden, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The three-time Super Bowl champion, who holds the second-highest career field goal percentage in NFL history (89.1%), cautioned female graduates about the ‘diabolical lies’ propagated by modern society. He also asserted his belief that most of the women in attendance looked forward to marriage and having children.
Butker went on to express his gratitude for his marriage and shared that his wife found the most fulfillment in her role as a ‘homemaker.’
Butker, 28, ranks second in NFL history for the highest career field goal percentage (89.1%)
He visited the White House along with his Chiefs teammates after his controversial speech in May
Butker’s comments drew backlash from various high-profile figures, including Maria Shriver, the former First Lady of California and ex-wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Since then, Butker has made several public appearances, including a visit to the White House when the Biden administration hosted the Chiefs to commemorate their 2022 Super Bowl victory.
Despite the backlash, Butker, a devout Christian, stood by his beliefs, stating that he valued his religion more than football. He affirmed that he had no regrets about expressing his opinions.
‘It’s a decision I’ve consciously made and one I do not regret at all,’ he stated at the Regina Caeli Academy Courage Under Fire Gala in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 24.
The NFL distanced itself from Butker’s remarks, asserting that his comments and ‘views are not those of the NFL as an organization.’
Mahomes, Butker’s teammate, acknowledged that while he doesn’t always agree with Butker, he respects his right to hold his own beliefs.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, speaking about Butker on his ‘New Heights’ podcast, expressed his appreciation for Butker as a teammate. He stated that while he may not agree with Butker’s views, he refrains from judging him, especially when it comes to religious beliefs.
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