What Harrison Butker said about women as Kansas City Chiefs kicker caused controversy

The Kansas City Chiefs are aiming to conclude another NFL season with a Super Bowl victory, in a year that saw one of their key players, Harrison Butker, embroiled in significant controversy. The Chiefs will take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 9 in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

Should they secure the championship, they will make NFL history. No team in the Super Bowl era has ever clinched three consecutive championships, and after defending their title last season, the Chiefs are just one win away from establishing an unparalleled era.

While the Chiefs will rely on quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his offense to perform at their peak, they'll also need Butker to execute flawless kicks to ensure no points are missed in the Super Bowl. Butker has successfully made 21 out of 25 field goal attempts this season, despite facing intense criticism during the offseason.

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Butker is a devout Catholic, and his traditional life views, which align with his religious beliefs, are considered by many as outdated in today's world. In May, Butker was invited to speak at Kansas' Benedictine College, a private Catholic liberal arts institution, where he spoke to the women who were graduating.

Despite it being a moment of pride for the young women attending the college, Butker explained his belief that a 'homemaker' was a prestigious title for them to aspire for. He stated that his wife, Isabelle, devotes her life to being a wife and mother while he handles all financial matters as the breadwinner.

"I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you," Butker stated. "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."

"My beautiful wife Isabelle would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother," Butker continued, adding that Isabelle held "one of the most important titles of all. Homemaker."

Butker's comments were quickly labeled as 'sexist' when they were made public, leading to significant online backlash. The NFL was compelled to step in, issuing a statement addressing Butker's off-season remarks.

"Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity," said Jonathan Beane, NFL senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, in a statement. "His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger."

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As the Chiefs returned to training camp shortly after Butker's comments made headlines, the issue became a focal point at press conferences. Patrick Mahomes, the team's quarterback, finally spoke up about the controversy, acknowledging that while he didn't agree with all of Butker's views, it didn't alter his personal feelings towards him.

"I know Harrison. I've known Harrison for seven years, and I judge him by the character that he shows every single day, and that's a good person," Mahomes shared with reporters. "That's someone who cares about the people around him, cares about his family and wants to make a good impact on society."

"When you're in the locker room, there's a lot of people from a lot of different areas of life. There's certain things that he said I don't necessarily agree with, but I understand the person that he is, and he's trying to do whatever he can to lead people in the right direction."

"And that might not be the same values I have. But at the same time, I'm going to judge him by the character that he shows every single day, and that's a great person."