Harrison Butker Speaks Out on ‘Shocking Level of Hate’ Following His Controversial Graduation Speech

“The theme for tonight’s gala — Courage Under Fire — was decided many months ago, but it now feels providential that this would be the theme after what we have all witnessed these past two weeks. If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now,” Butker, 28, said during the Regina Caeli Academy Courage Under Fire Gala on Friday, The Kansas City Chiefs kicker, who is on the board of directors at Regina Caeli Academy, continued, “At the outset, many people expressed a shocking level of hate, but as the days went on — even those who disagreed with my viewpoints — shared their support for my freedom of religion. In my seven years of being in the NFL, I’ve become familiar with the positive and negative comments, but the majority of them revolve around my performance on the field.”