Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker Offers Graduates a Hard-Hitting Wake-Up Call

As the commencement speaker at his alma mater, Georgia Institute of Technology, two-time Super Bowl champion and outspoken Catholic Harrison Butker offered some hard-hitting truths to the graduating students. He warned them that despite working hard to attain a successful career, it would not be enough to ensure their happiness in life.

Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker

Highlights

By Catholic Online (California Network)
5/8/2023 (11 months ago)

Published in Sports

Keywords: Butker, Kansas City, football, kicker, Chiefs, graduation, speech, Georgia Institute of Technology

The Limits of Worldly Success

Butker emphasized that there are numerous examples of individuals who have achieved worldly success, but remain unfulfilled in their personal lives. He stated that although our culture often focuses on external achievements, this approach is not sufficient to achieve long-lasting happiness.

Marriage and Family as an Antidote

He offered a controversial antidote that he believes can have a lasting impact for generations to come - get married and start a family. He acknowledged that many might find this viewpoint outdated or irrelevant, but he urged the students to consider the deep sense of purpose and fulfillment that can come from building a family. He also noted that despite his numerous accomplishments on the football field, the happiness he has found in his marriage and starting a family has been the most fulfilling experience in his life. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing meaningful relationships and using them to leave a lasting legacy.

The Importance of Virtuous Living

Butker credited his experience with the university's Catholic center for laying the foundation for him to prioritize meaningful relationships and become the husband and father he is today. He spoke about the importance of striving to be a better, more virtuous man and the role that faith and family have played in his personal growth.

The War on Truth

During his speech, Butker spoke about the challenges that the graduating students will face as they move forward in life, emphasizing the "war on truth" in the world. He noted that many individuals have lost respect for the dignity of the human person, and that there is a culture of cancellation for those who disagree. He encouraged the students to take risks and to speak their truth, even if it comes at the expense of being silenced. He urged them to prioritize meaningful relationships and to know that their lives have value, regardless of whether or not they achieve external success.