Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has drawn significant attention after sustaining a knee injury that is expected to sideline him for 3-4 weeks. The injury, announced on Thursday, November 14, comes ahead of the Chiefs’ game against the Buffalo Bills on November 17. NFL reporter Tom Pelissero confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the Chiefs would have a replacement kicker for Sunday’s matchup, as Butker is likely headed to injured reserve.
While injuries are typically met with concern, Butker’s situation has sparked mixed reactions online, with some social media users mocking his misfortune. Many referenced his controversial comments earlier this year about women’s roles and LGBTQ+ issues, which drew widespread criticism.
One widely shared post featured a video of an enthusiastic audience cheering with the caption: “Women seeing Harrison Butker get injured.” Others echoed the sentiment, with one post stating, “Please take all of Harrison Butker’s pain and have it stay exactly where it is,” while another invoked a sexist trope, writing, “Sounds like he should get back in the kitchen.”
Critics also mocked Butker’s masculinity, with posts such as, “Real men don’t miss work,” and another claiming he injured himself because he was “too busy bending the knee to Trump.”
Controversial Commencement Speech
Butker has been a polarizing figure since delivering a commencement speech at Benedictine College in May, where he decried what he described as the erosion of traditional Catholic values. His comments included opposition to abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, and what he termed “degenerate cultural values.” He also called LGBTQ+ Pride “sinful” and accused leaders of promoting “dangerous gender ideologies” to young people.
Butker went on to criticize societal messages directed at women, saying they were sold “diabolical lies” about prioritizing careers over family. He highlighted his wife’s choice to embrace the role of homemaker, suggesting it was a model for other women to follow.
The speech received backlash from various quarters, with some labeling his views as outdated and insensitive. However, some public figures, including Whoopi Goldberg of *The View*, defended his right to express his beliefs.
Additional Controversy
Butker continued to voice controversial opinions in the months that followed. In July, he criticized the inclusion of drag performers during the Olympic opening ceremony, calling it “crazy.” He later posted a Bible passage on X that read: “Be not deceived, God is not mocked,” further fueling criticism.
Despite the backlash, Butker has stood firm in his views, stating that he does not regret his remarks.
While his injury is a setback for the Chiefs, it has also reignited debates surrounding his past comments, underscoring the intersection of sports, personal beliefs, and public scrutiny.