Harrison Butker supported one of his Chiefs teammates at the ESPYs in LA on Thursday night, exactly two months after his controversial graduation speech at a private liberal arts university in Kansas.
The 28-year-old Chiefs kicker hit the red carpet at the ceremony without his wife Isabelle, wearing a cream tuxedo, pinstripe pants and black shoes.
His latest appearance comes after his quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, was nominated for two awards along with the Chiefs. Mahomes is nominated for both the ‘Best NFL Player’ and ‘Best Athlete, Men’s Sports’ awards, while the Chiefs are the only NFL franchise nominated for ‘Best Team’ honors.
Butker sparked controversy in May for his controversial comments on abortion, U.S. President Joe Biden and the COVID-19 pandemic during a commencement speech at Benedictine College in Hutchinson, Kansas.
The three-time Super Bowl champion, who ranks second in NFL history for career field goal percentage (89.1 percent), warned the female graduates in attendance about the “devilish lies” they are being told in modern society. He also said he would “bet most of you are most excited about marriage and the children you are going to bring into this world.”
Harrison Butker made a solo appearance on the ESPYs red carpet in LA in a cream tuxedo
Butker’s performance in Los Angeles on Thursday follows his controversial speech in May
Butker added that he was “extremely blessed” in his marriage and that his wife felt most fulfilled in her role as a “homemaker.”
Following his speech, the NFL player received criticism from a number of notable figures, including Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ex-wife and former First Lady of California, Maria Shriver.
Since then, Butker has made several public appearances this year, including at the White House when the Biden administration hosted the Chiefs to celebrate the team’s victory in the 2022 Super Bowl.
Butker, a devout Christian, said after his comments that he had no regrets about expressing his beliefs.
More to follow…