Harrison Butker stands by commencement speech: 'Not people, but Jesus Christ I’m trying to please’

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Harrison Butker made his first public appearance since his Benedectine College commencement speech on Friday night, and showed zero regret.

The Kansas City Chiefs kicker appeared at the "Courage Under Fire Gala" in Nashville on Friday night, which was presented by the Regina Caeli Academy.

The academy "encourages our students to strive for excellence in academics as well as in virtuous living, self-discipline, and accountability through a classical education taught in light of the Catholic tradition," according to its website - Butker has been on the academy's board of directors since last year.

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Place kicker Harrison Butker #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates kicking a field goal in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 31-17.  (Candice Ward/Getty Images)

Butker took the stage at the gala and received a rousing ovation before yet another speech in which he doubled down on his faith and his comments, despite the scrutiny he has faced since then.

"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 last two weeks," Butker said. "If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now."

Butker said he understands that he has become a "more polarizing" figure the more he has spoken out about his beliefs - but he will never care what people think of him.

"Our love for Jesus, and thus, our desire to speak out, should never be