Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has signed a 4-year, $26 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL on a per-year basis, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 29-year-old kicker’s new deal, which includes $17.75 million guaranteed, follows another successful season where he ranked among the top kickers in field goal percentage, extra-point percentage, and total points. Butker also contributed to the Chiefs’ second consecutive Super Bowl victory last year.
This extension comes just over two months after Butker’s viral commencement speech at Benedictine College, which stirred significant controversy. In his address, Butker credited his success to his faith and his wife, whom he met in middle school. He also criticized Pride Month and President Biden’s pro-abortion policies, which sparked outrage among some celebrities and athletes, including Katy Perry, Chelsea Handler, and Serena Williams.
A Change.org petition calling for the Chiefs to drop Butker garnered nearly 240,000 signatures, labeling his comments as “sexist, homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion, and racist.” Despite the backlash, the Chiefs’ ownership, head coach, and Butker’s teammates stood by him.
In response to the criticism, Butker remained steadfast in his beliefs. Speaking at the Courage Under Fire gala in Nashville on May 24, he addressed the backlash, stating that the “shocking level of hate” would not deter him from being “unapologetic” about his faith.
“If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now,” Butker said. “Over the past few days, my beliefs, or what people think I believe, have been the focus of countless discussions around the globe.”
He added that while he is accustomed to receiving both positive and negative comments regarding his on-field performance, discussing his Catholic faith has made him more polarizing. “It’s a decision I’ve consciously made, and one I do not regret at all,” Butker said.
Butker’s unwavering stance and recent contract extension underscore his resilience amid controversy, reinforcing his commitment to both his professional career and personal beliefs.
