In his first public comments since delivering a contentious commencement address at Benedictine College in May, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker defended his speech and underscored his Catholic faith. Speaking at the "Courage Under Fire" gala in Nashville on Friday night, Butker expressed his unwavering commitment to his religious beliefs as he faced criticism for his remarks.

During his commencement address, Butker made comments that were interpreted by many as homophobic and sexist. He referred to Pride Month as a "deadly sin" and stated that a woman's accomplishments in the home hold more value than academic or professional goals. These statements sparked a wave of public debate and led to backlash from organizations such as GLAAD.

Addressing the audience at the gala, Butker acknowledged the global discussions his beliefs had generated. He noted that while he initially encountered hate, he appreciated the support for his freedom of religion expressed by those who disagreed with his viewpoints. The three-time Super Bowl champion, who is also a member of Benedictine College's board of directors, emphasized the importance of his love for Jesus and the desire to speak out, despite potential opposition from the world.

Drawing inspiration from biblical prophet Saint Daniel, who was thrown into a lion's den for his unwavering commitment to prayer, Butker spoke about the courage displayed by many saints throughout history. He admitted that the repercussions he might face for his beliefs would likely be small in comparison but acknowledged that it could be God's will for him to endure such suffering.

However, the National Football League (NFL) swiftly distanced itself from Butker's remarks, issuing a statement clarifying that his comments did not reflect the league's views. LGBT advocacy organization GLAAD criticized his statements, stating that they were "woefully out of step" with American views on LGBTQ rights.

Another prominent Chiefs player, Travis Kelce, responded to Butker's commencement address on the "New Heights" podcast, expressing his disagreement with "just about any" of Butker's views. Kelce emphasized that while he doesn't align with his teammate's beliefs, he still values him as a person and teammate.

The controversy surrounding Butker's speech also prompted Mount St. Scholastica monastery, a founding institution and sponsor of Benedictine College, to distance themselves from his message. In a statement, they asserted that his comments did not align with the vision of the Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college and instead appeared to foster division rather than promote unity.

As the debate continues to unfold, Harrison Butker holds firm to his Catholic faith, asserting that his commitment to Jesus trumps any desire to be loved by the world. This clash of beliefs serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between personal convictions and public reception.