Harrison Butker offseason timeline: From controversial commencement speech to record contract

Daniel Mader

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Harrison Butker offseason timeline: From controversial commencement speech to record contract image

Over the course of the NFL offseason, Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker was among the biggest recurring storylines — and for a variety of reasons. 

Butker, who’s been the Chiefs kicker since 2017, made headlines often between February and August for his off-the-field comments, what others said about him and his new contract. 

With the two-time defending champions in 2023, Butker totaled 33 field goals made on 35 attempts, and he now heads into the eighth year of his career.

Here’s the timeline of what happened with Butker over the course of the NFL offseason, including his controversial speech and record-setting deal.

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Harrison Butker offseason timeline

February 2024

Kansas City is crowned the winner of Super Bowl LVIII. Butker nails four field goals, including a new Super Bowl record with a 57-yard connection, in the big game. 

It marked title No. 3 for Butker, all of which came with the Chiefs. 

May 2024

In mid-May, Butker appeared at Benedictine College to make a commencement speech, where he made controversial comments regarding LGBTQ+ Pride month, politics and women entering the workforce. 

"I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you," Butker said in his speech. "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."

The full speech is on YouTube, and now has over two million views.

Butker’s speech stirred up controversy across NFL headlines and social media from fans, celebrities, politicians and other league figures. 

At the time, NFL senior vice president and chief of diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane responded to Butker’s speech on behalf of the league. 

"Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity," Beane told PEOPLE. "His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger."

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, head coach Andy Reid and tight end Travis Kelce were each asked about Butker’s comments. All three took a cautious approach in their response, respecting Butker’s right to his opinion even if they didn’t agree.

"We're not always going to agree. He said certain things I don't agree with,” Mahomes said, per The Athletic's Nate Taylor. 

The Los Angeles Chargers even got in on the topic — as the team unveiled its 2024 schedule with a video poking fun at each of its opponents, it included a clip of Butker working in a kitchen. 


July 2024

During the ESPYs on July 11, tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, along with comedian Quinta Brunson, took a shot toward Butker while on stage. 

“You can enjoy women's sports, just like any other sport, because they are sports. Except for you Harrison Butker, we don't need you. At all, like ever,” the three combined to say. 

Shortly after the ESPYs, Butker responded to the comments, saying Serena Williams “used (the stage) as an opportunity to disinvite those with whom she disagrees with from supporting fellow athletes.”

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August 2024

Following all the controversy of his offseason, the Chiefs signed Butker, 29, to a new contract that made him the highest-paid kicker in the league.

Butker soon confirmed the news, sharing his excitement to stay in Kansas City for the long term. 

Butker’s four-year, $25.6 million extension, which included $17.75 million guaranteed, put him above other kickers like Jake Elliott, Justin Tucker and Matt Gay in annual salary. 

In recent weeks, Kansas City’s kicker has also doubled down on his commencement speech comments when given the opportunity to reflect a few months later. 

Finally, in a social media post on August 18, Butker misquoted Winston Churchill about the “enemies” he’s created since his speech — and many were quick to correct him that the quote instead belonged to Victor Hugo. 

It’s been a busy offseason — especially for a kicker — for Butker, who’s found himself in headlines often. 

He’ll now join the Chiefs in their quest for a Super Bowl three-peat, which begins against the Ravens on Thursday Night Football. 

Daniel Mader

Daniel Mader Photo

Daniel Mader joined Sporting News as an editorial intern in 2024 following his graduation from Penn State University. Previously, he covered Penn State, high school and local sports beats for NBC Sports, the Centre Daily Times, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Daily Collegian and LancasterOnline. He grew up in Lancaster, Penn., with a love for baseball that’ll never fade, but could also talk basketball or football for days.