Kansas City Chiefs Football player Harrison Butker, who drew criticism over the offseason after speaking publicly about his faith and values, praised President-elect Donald Trump's selection for U.S. ambassador to the Vatican in a social media post on Friday.
Trump declared Earlier, Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote, will be the next US ambassador to the Holy See under his administration.
President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that Catholics for the Vote President Brian Burch will be the next U.S. ambassador to the Vatican. (Fox News Digital | GettyPool)
“Brian is a devout Catholic, father of nine, and president of CatholicVote. He has received numerous awards, demonstrated exceptional leadership, and helped build one of the largest Catholic advocacy groups in the country,” Trump's announcement read in part.
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“He represented me well during the last election, having received more Catholic votes than any presidential candidate in history! Brian loves his church and the United States – and he would make us all proud.”
Butker, who publicly supported other conservatives during the election, including his endorsement of US Senator Josh Hawleyshared his approval of Trump's choice on social media.
“Very happy to hear that Brian Burch has been chosen to be the next ambassador to the Vatican,” his post on X read. “Brian has been a leading voice in the Catholic community here in America through his organization (CatholicVote) and now in his new position, he can take those gifts to Rome. Pray for him and his family as they embark on this new journey.”
Kansas City Chiefs' Harrison Butker (7) prepares to kick a field goal against the New Orleans Saints during the game at Jeha Field in Arrowhead Stadium. (Photos by Denny Medley-Imagine)
Butker faced backlash from some in May Its starting address At Benedictine College where she called on female graduates to embrace their “vocation” as “homemaker.”
He said at the time: “To the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing achievement. You should be proud of everything you have achieved up to this point in your young lives.” “I want to talk to you directly in brief, because I think you, women, have been told the most diabolical lies. How many of you are sitting here right now, about to cross this stage, thinking about all the promotions and titles you're going to get. Your career? Some of you might go on. Leading successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that most of you are very excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
He continued, “I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabel, will be the first to say that her life truly began when she began to live out her calling as a wife and mother.” “I am on this platform today and able to be the man I am because I have a wife who is inclined to call her. I am very blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated to say that all of my success has been made possible because of the girl I met in My middle school band class embraced the faith, became my wife and embraced one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.”
Harrison Butker (7) of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after scoring a point on a kicker against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Jeha Field in Arrowhead Stadium on August 22, 2024. (Denny Medley-USA Today Sports)
He also spoke out against the current administration and abortion.
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Butker returned for the Chiefs' Week 15 game vs Cleveland Browns After being absent from the field for four matches after undergoing surgery on his left knee, which he did not kick.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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