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The Kansas City Chiefs signed kicker Harrison Butker to a record-setting contract on Monday afternoon.
Butker, 29, is a three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the best kickers in the league. But he came under fire this offseason after controversial remarks about women during a commencement speech at Benedictine College.
Butker brokered his own deal according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
“The #Chiefs and star kicker Harrison Butker have agreed to terms on a contract extension to make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, sources say. Butler represented himself in the deal,” Rapoport tweeted.
He did not state how long the deal was or for how much money.
“Our own nation is led by a man who publicly and proudly proclaims his Catholic faith, but at the same time is delusional enough to make the sign of the cross during a pro-abortion rally,” Butker said in his speech. “He has been so vocal in his support for the murder of innocent babies that I’m sure to many people it appears that you can be both Catholic and pro-choice.”
But what really drew criticism was his comments about the “role” of adult women.
“I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you. Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world… embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker,” he said.
As you can imagine, fans were not exactly thrilled at the new deal.
chiefs are the best at rewarding and enabling awful people https://t.co/UtAmugDN2v
— Ty (@Hewy_) August 5, 2024
Butker’s comments drew backlash from across the sports world. That includes tennis legend, who took a shot at the Chiefs star while hosting the recent ESPY Awards.
Butker responded to Williams shortly after, stating that her comments were “divisive.” But Williams did not offer a response of her own.