"Don't give in": Lou Holtz backs Harrison Butker after Chiefs kicker's speech stirs controversy
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker became the center of a social media storm after his commencement speech at Benedictine College in Kansas last weekend. The 6-foot-4 Georgia Tech alum has seen his jersey sales reportedly skyrocket over the past few days, while a petition for the Chiefs to release Butker was also posted online.
Butker's comments have been divisive, to say the least, but there have been those who have come out and supported the three-time Super Bowl champion.
On Thursday, former Notre Dame Fighting Irish coach Lou Holtz defended Harrison Butker with a post on X (formerly Twitter).
"Thank you [Harrison Butker] for standing strong in your faith values," Holtz wrote. "Your commencement speech at Benedictine College showed courage and conviction and I admire that. Don't give in."
Both men are devout Catholics who have been vocal about their faith and their support of conservative beliefs. Butker made headlines last weekend at Benedictine, where he discussed many different topics, including his apparent beliefs about women in the workforce.
Below are some of the comments that have been making the news:
"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?... 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."
"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."
The National Football League has attempted to distance itself from Butker's comments, saying that his views are not the views of the NFL.
Chiefs' Chris Jones defends Harrison Butker
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Chris Jones took to X on Thursday to back his teammate. Jones was reacting to a Change.org petition calling for Harrison Butker's release from the Chiefs.
"I love you @buttkicker7! My brotha," Jones posted.
What did Lou Holtz do in college football?
Lou Holtz is a household name for his career as a coach in college football. He was a head coach from 1969-2004 and finished his collegiate career with a 249-132-7, including a 12-8-2 bowl record. He won the 1988 national championship and was inducted into the 2008 College Football Hall of Fame.
Below are the teams and the years that Holtz was the head coach for each program:
- William & Mary: 1969-1971
- NC State Wolfpack: 1972-1975
- New York Jets (NFL): 1976
- Arkansas Razorbacks: 1977-1983
- Minnesota Golden Gophers: 1984-1985
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 1986-1996
- South Carolina Gamecocks: 1999-2004