‘It seems the days of seeing the values of others may be gone, understanding that all people have innate value bestowed on them by the Creator’
Students should not be solely focused on making money and becoming a success in their field, according to a Super Bowl-winning kicker who spoke at Georgia Institute of Technology’s graduation ceremony.
Harrison Butker, the kicker of the Kansas City Chiefs and an alumnus of Georgia Tech, instead urged graduates to “get married and start a family.”
He said this is an antidote to ongoing mental health problems in society, including loneliness and depression. He also reminded attendees that not every good deed or success will be noticed but “what is done in the darkness will be brought to the light,’” Butker said, quoting the Bible.
The devout Catholic and pro-life advocate then showed off “the most important ring” he had to the crowd – his wedding ring. Butker also has two Super Bowl rings.
Despite his NFL success, “none of these accomplishments mean anything compared to the happiness I have found in my marriage and starting a family,” Butker said.
“How much greater of a legacy can anyone leave than that?” Butker asked, with reference to the creation of kids with his wife.
While society may be “relatively safe,” Butker said there is “always war being waged around us.”
“War amongst families, war on truth, and even Elon Musk and those pesky Twitter wars,” he said.
He said that “identity politics” have divided society and led to a “lack of respect for the human person.”
“It seems the days of seeing the values of others may be gone, understanding that all people have innate value bestowed on them by the Creator,” he said.
Butker also said that “freedom of thought” has been replaced by cancel culture.
“There will always be critics and those that disagree with our viewpoints,” Butker said, but that does not justify shying away from our beliefs.
He thanked the campus Catholic center for helping him grow as a person.
“I am confident with God and with my wife by my side I can do more than I ever could have imagined alone,” the graduation speaker said.
He said that he is confident he can accomplish anything because he knows “God is in control.”
“Focus on meaningful relationships,” he said to conclude his speech. “And know that with or without the spotlight, your life has value and you are meant for more.”
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IMAGE: Georgia Institute of Technology/YouTube
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