- Butker eulogized his wife, Isabelle, during his speech for embodying the ideal of finding fulfillment through homemaking and motherhood.
- Harrison Butker’s speech at Benedictine College sparked controversy for its views on women’s roles.
- The NFL has distanced itself from Butker’s comments, emphasizing its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Newsypeople – People have reacted to Harrison Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College where he compared Pride Month, which honors the LGBTQIA+ community, to a “deadly sin” and stated that women should embrace the role of “homemaker” as “one of the most important titles of all.” He praised his wife for giving up her professional dreams to focus on being a housewife and mother.
Butker called out Cardinal Timothy Dolan over the “abomination” of having a funeral for a transgender activist Cecilia Gentili at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. He wrote a letter to the church leader pouring out his disappointment that no statement was made condemning the “scandalous” services.
During the Kansas City Chiefs’ White House visit to celebrate their Super Bowl LVII victory, Butker wore a tie with the Latin phrase “Vulnerari Praesidio,” which translates to “Protect the most vulnerable.” This was seen as a pro-life message directed at President Biden, who is a supporter of abortion rights.
In light of all that is going on, people are interested to know everything about, Isabelle Butker, the wife of Harrison Butker.
Isabelle Butker: Who Is Harrison’s Wife Amid Controversy?
Isabelle Butker is the wife of Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker who praised his wife, Isabelle, for proudly taking on her roles as a housewife and mother, and giving up her professional dreams.
Harrison Butker is an American football kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). They met in their early days as kids in the middle school. During his session, he said;
“I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother,” he said.
“I’m on this stage and able to be the man I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation.”
The NFL player also shared as he held back tears that he is blessed to have a wife who embraced “homemaker” title with her heart. In his words;
“I am beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith and become my wife,”
Their Marriage and Family Life
Isabelle Tehrani and Harrison Butker’s relationship blossomed when they were students at Westminster High School in Atlanta. The two became close friends and eventually started dating. In April 2013, Harrison shared a photo of them at prom, where they wore matching red outfits, captioning it, “The night of all nights with @tayronasaurus #prom.”
After high school, Isabelle attended Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, while Harrison went to Georgia Tech. At Rhodes, Isabelle played for the women’s basketball team as a forward and guard. Her student-athlete bio notes that she “recorded a career high six rebounds” during a game against Oglethorpe University in 2014. Isabelle graduated from Rhodes in 2016 with degrees in computer science and Spanish.
In May 2017, Harrison proposed to Isabelle on a football field, as seen in a since-deleted carousel of photos on Instagram. In the caption, he expressed his love for Isabelle, saying, “After almost 7 years of being best friends with this girl, I finally popped the question.” He praised Isabelle for pushing him to be a better man and for her patience and forgiveness. Harrison also mentioned that Isabelle converted to Catholicism after they started dating, as she shared in an interview with EWTN.
Isabelle and Harrison tied the knot on February 10, 2018, in a traditional ceremony at Saint Brigid Catholic Church in Georgia, followed by a reception at the Ivy Hall in Roswell. Later that year, Harrison commemorated their wedding day with a post on X, quoting a Bible verse and expressing his love for Isabelle.
Ephesians 5:25
— Harrison Butker (@buttkicker7) April 6, 2018
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
I will continue to pray for the strength and perseverance to sacrifice for you everyday of our marriage. I love you Izzy!
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for us pic.twitter.com/gf8cHHlFAG
The couple welcomed their first child, James Augustine, in January 2018. They later had a daughter, whose name has not been revealed. In 2023, their children were seen supporting Harrison and the Kansas City Chiefs when they won the Super Bowl.
Isabelle does not appear to have active Instagram or Facebook accounts. A deactivated X profile, @tayronasaurus, was previously used by Harrison to tag her in photos.
Key Facts About Harrison Butker
- Butker was born on July 14, 1995 in Decatur, Georgia. He attended The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, where he played football, basketball, soccer and was a tuba player in the symphonic band.
- He played college football at Georgia Tech from 2013-2016. As a senior in 2016, he hit 15 of 17 field goals and left as the school’s all-time leading scorer.
- Butker was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the 7th round (233rd overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. He made his NFL debut with the Chiefs in Week 4 of the 2017 season after being signed off the Panthers’ practice squad.
- In his rookie year, Butker set the NFL record for most field goals made by a rookie with 38. He led the NFL in scoring in 2019 with 147 points.
- Butker is a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs, winning titles in Super Bowls LIV, LVII and LVIII. In Super Bowl LVIII against the 49ers, he kicked a 57-yard field goal, the longest in Super Bowl history.
- He is second in NFL history in career field goal percentage (minimum 100 attempts) at 89.1%. Only Justin Tucker has a higher percentage.
- Butker is known for his strong conservative Catholic beliefs. He has made controversial comments comparing Pride Month to a “deadly sin” and praising traditional gender roles.
- Butker Instagram handle: @buttkicker7
NFL Reaction to Butker’s Comments
The NFL has distanced itself from Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College, stating that his views do not represent those of the league.
In a statement to People magazine, NFL senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane said, “Harrison Butker delivered his speech in his individual capacity. The NFL’s perspective diverges from his. Our league’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity is a cornerstone that strengthens our organization.”
The NFL reiterated its stance on inclusion, with Beane emphasizing that it “only makes our league stronger.”
The league’s response comes after Butker faced backlash for his remarks criticizing Pride Month, promoting traditional gender roles, and expressing disapproval of President Biden’s policies on issues like abortion.
The Chiefs declined to comment on the matter when approached by The Athletic.
The NFL’s statement underscores its commitment to diversity and inclusion, which is reflected in its participation in LGBTQ+ initiatives and collaborations with advocacy groups like GLAAD. Watch Harrison Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College.
Here's Chief's Kicker Harrison Butker's full controversial commencement address to Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Do you agree with what he said about President Biden? The importance of strong families and having children? His perspectives on social issues? pic.twitter.com/dajcKDhaWL
— 🇺🇸 (@FreeStateWill) May 16, 2024
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