Today Show Hosts Criticize Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker for Faith-Based Commencement Speech

Hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager condemned Butker for his remarks on women's roles and his stance on Pride Month and abortion.

"Today with Hoda & Jenna" co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager launched a scathing critique against Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker for his faith-based commencement speech at Benedictine College.

Butker's speech, delivered to graduating seniors on Saturday, drew controversy for its remarks specifically directed at female graduates. Encouraging them to embrace their "vocation" as homemakers, Butker ignited a backlash among critics who viewed his comments as outdated and misogynistic.

On their Thursday episode, Kotb and Hager voiced their strong disapproval of Butker's speech. "Don’t speak for us!," exclaimed Kotb. "That’s the thing, stop speaking for women out there."

Hager concurred, emphasizing the importance of equal partnership within marriages. "Well, I’m where I am today because I have a husband who leans into his vocation, which is being an equal partner, and I tell him that all of the time."

The hosts further criticized Butker's attempt to divide women based on their choices. "We have all of these people that try to divide us by labels… people that stay at home are amazing, the work they do is incredible and let’s not compare one to the other, by a man!" said Kotb.

Hager also pointed out that financial constraints often prevent women from staying home, highlighting the hardships faced by working mothers.

Kotb continued, "And there are lots of women who actually would like to stay at home, but because they need to earn money, they don’t even have that privilege."

Hager added, "I just think divisive commentary that makes women feel like they are better doing one thing than the other is not what we need."

Butker's speech also included controversial remarks regarding Pride Month, condemning it as a form of "deadly sin pride," and criticizing President Biden's stance on abortion.

Despite receiving a standing ovation from attendees, Butker's speech drew condemnation from the NFL, which issued an apology and reiterated its commitment to inclusion.

"Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity," said Jonathan Beane, the league's senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer. "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."

The Chiefs have not yet commented on Butker's speech, leaving the kicker to face mounting criticism for his divisive remarks.