Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Encourages Georgia Tech Graduates to Embrace Family Life in Inspirational Speech

Harrison Butker Previously Told Georgia Tech Grads to Get Married and Start a Family

Harrison Butker Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images

One year before his controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker emphasized the significance of marriage at a different graduation ceremony. Butker, 28, delivered a speech at Georgia Tech, his alma mater, in May 2023. He highlighted the challenges of loneliness, anxiety, and depression faced by young individuals, despite the advancements in technology that have supposedly increased connectivity among us, as reported by the Kansas City Star.

He suggested a controversial solution to the problem: "Get married and start a family."

He emphasized the significance of his wedding ring, stating that it held more value to him than the Super Bowl rings he had earned with the Chiefs.

He expressed that despite his achievements, the true happiness he has found lies in his marriage and in starting a family. His confidence as a husband and father, and even as a football player, is grounded in his relationship with his wife, Isabelle Butker. They aim to make a lasting impact on future generations through the children they bring into the world, leaving a powerful legacy.

Harrison also lamented the shift from "freedom of thought" to a culture of canceling those with differing opinions. He criticized the false notions of self-reliance and prioritizing career over meaningful relationships that are being promoted in society.

The athlete made a speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, on Saturday, May 11 that caught people's attention. Instead of talking about his own marriage experience like he did at Georgia Tech, he chose to focus on the women graduates.

He addressed the women graduates directly, congratulating them on their amazing accomplishment. He expressed that they should be proud of everything they have achieved so far in their young lives. He also mentioned that he believes women have been the target of harmful lies.

Harrison suggested that most of the female graduates at the ceremony were probably more thrilled about getting married and having children than advancing in their careers. He also praised his wife for taking on the important role of homemaker, stating that she believed her life truly began when she embraced her roles as a wife and mother.

Harrison pointed to the "pervasiveness of disorder" in society as the cause for issues like abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, and the increasing acceptance of negative cultural values and media.

In another part of his speech, Harrison mentioned a line from Taylor Swift's song "Bejeweled," humorously calling her "my teammate's girlfriend." (Swift, 34, has been in a relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce since summer 2023.)

"He mentioned a saying from my teammate's girlfriend about how 'familiarity breeds contempt,' while talking about Catholic priests getting too close to laypeople.

Following Harrison's comments, the NFL has made efforts to distance itself from the controversy."

Jonathan Beane, the NFL's Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity & Inclusion officer, stated to People on Wednesday, May 15 that Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. Beane emphasized that Butker's views do not represent the NFL as an organization. The NFL remains dedicated to promoting inclusion, which ultimately strengthens the league.

Some stars, such as proud Swiftie Flavor Flav, also shared their reactions to the speech. Flavor Flav expressed his opinion via X on Tuesday, May 14, suggesting that certain players should "stay in their lanes" and avoid giving commencement speeches.

The tweet referenced a moment from Harrison’s address, when he said he planned to use his platform to “preach more hard truths about accepting your lane and staying in it.”

Editor's P/S:

Harrison Butker's commencement speeches have sparked controversy and raised important questions about the societal pressures and challenges faced by young individuals. His emphasis on marriage and family as a solution to loneliness and anxiety, while a personal perspective, is a reminder of the importance of meaningful connections in an increasingly disconnected world. His criticism of the culture of canceling and the shift away from freedom of thought highlights the need for open and respectful dialogue, even when opinions differ.

The NFL's response, distancing itself from Butker's views while emphasizing its commitment to inclusion, reflects the league's desire to maintain a diverse and welcoming environment for all. However, it also exposes the challenges of balancing personal beliefs with corporate values, particularly in the public eye. Ultimately, Butker's speeches have generated a valuable discussion about the complexities of modern life and the importance of fostering both individual agency and a sense of community.