Not on our watch.
NFL player Harrison Butker delivered a bizarre (and now viral) commencement speech at Benedictine College this past weekend where he brought up Pride Month to contrast "the deadly sins sort of Pride that has an entire month dedicated to it" in comparison to "the true God-centered pride that is cooperating with the holy ghost to glorify him," as reported by The Advocate.
During this 20-minute speech, Butker also made the following absurd claims about women:
"I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world."
Former pro football athlete and The Bachelor alum Colton Underwood shared a couple of Instagram stories calling out Butker and urging organizations like the National Football League (NFL) to take a stance against Butker's comments.
"This is when the NFL and their players should speak up. Hold your teammates and players accountable, teach them to be better."
Instagram (@coltonunderwood)
After Underwood's post, Cleveland Browns player Shelby Harris shared an Instagram story that read:
" My girls are so much more than just a homemaker. They can be future presidents, doctors, [or] whatever they put their mind to. Aim for the [stars]."
Underwood reposted Harris' IG story, writing:
"This is how it's done. Thank you @shelbyharris96 for representing the girl dads and inclusive players in the league."
Instagram (@coltonunderwood)
Butker, who goes by @buttkicker7 on Instagram, has yet to respond to the aforementioned social media posts reacting to his speech. Out has reached out to Butker for comment.
For context, Butker is credited a "co-founder, president & COO" of a holding company called MDKeller. In his official bio on the MDKeller website, Butker is described as a "three-time Super Bowl champion" and a "devout Catholic," noting that he is married to his high school sweetheart and is a father of three. The last paragraph of his bio reads:
"Butker is known for his God-given skills on the football field, but it is his Catholic Faith that brings him the most joy. He is an outspoken advocate for the Traditional Latin Mass, Pro-life causes, and being a man of virtue, to name a few. He has appeared on countless shows, podcasts, and articles speaking to being a man in a world that is becoming increasingly secular and absent of God. By grounding himself in his vocation as a husband and father, Mr. Butker has been able to use his platform to push others To The Heights."
MDKeller.com
The holding company's website also features a list of "organizations and non-profits that MDKeller fully endorses as worthwhile causes," which includes CatholicVote, The American Conservative, The Benedictines of Mary Queen of Apostles, the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, and the National Eucharistic Congress, to name a few.
MDKeller.com
