Following the backlash directed at Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker over the speech he gave at Benedictine College, football coaching legend Lou Holtz came to his defense and spoke out about why Butker showed “courage and commitment” in his speech, not the negative things attributed to him by his detractors.
During the speech, Butker said, in part, that Catholics should not keep their faith hidden. He said, “As members of the Church founded by Jesus Christ, it is our duty and ultimately privilege to be authentically and unapologetically Catholic. Don’t be mistaken, even within the Church, people in polite Catholic circles will try to persuade you to remain silent.”
He also encouraged the women present to see the importance of being a homemaker, saying, “For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives. I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? 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. I can tell you that 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. I’m on the stage today and able to be the man I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation. I’m beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife, and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.”
During the speech, Butker also criticized President Biden, spoke strongly in support of the Traditional Latin Mass, spoke out against “dangerous gender ideologies,” and urged the men in the audience to “fight against the cultural emasculation of men.”
Holtz, cheering Butker in a post on X, wrote, “Thank you @buttkicker7 for standing strong in your faith values. Your commencement speech at Benedictine College showed courage and conviction and I admire that. Don’t give in.”
Holtz’s tweet also linked to a form offering support for Harrison Butker. That site provided, “Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Champion Kicker, stood firm in his convictions during his powerful commencement address at Benedictine College. With courage and clarity, Butker championed the timeless virtues of family, faith, and the sanctity of life. His bold proclamation of a pro-family, pro-God, and pro-life worldview resonated deeply, reminding us of the enduring strength found in our foundational beliefs.”
It continued, “Harrison’s speech was not just words but a call to action—a directive to embrace our vocations over mere cultural expectations, guiding young minds towards paths of purpose and integrity. His unwavering dedication to his Christian principles brought a refreshing sincerity and profound depth to the commencement, inspiring us to live authentically and fearlessly.”
It then added, “Thank you, Harrison Butker, for your exemplary leadership and reminding us of the power of living a life aligned with our deepest convictions. As Coach Lou Holtz famously said, ‘God did not put us on this earth to be ordinary.’ Butker embodies this sentiment, recognizing the responsibility that athletes bear in upholding and championing American values. His courageous stance deserves our unwavering support.”
Watch part of Butker’s speech here:
Featured image credit: By The White House from Washington, DC – President Trump Presents the Medal of Freedom to Lou Holtz, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=97344225
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