Harrison Butker's Injury Sparks Online Mockery: 'Real Men Don't Miss Work'

NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported Thursday, November 14 that the Kansas City Chiefs will be without kicker Harrison Butker for 3–4 weeks as he undergoes surgery on his left knee's meniscus.

Spencer Shrader, currently on the New York Jets' practice squad, will be signed to take Butker's place, according to Pelissero.

After the news broke, many social media users celebrated the news of Harrison Butker's injury, referencing his past remarks on women's roles in domestic life and his endorsement of Donald Trump.

Harrison Butker, renowned as one of the NFL's most clutch kickers, will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to trim his meniscus. The Chiefs expect him to recover in time for the crucial final stretch of the regular season and the playoffs.

As the 9-0 Chiefs aim to make history by becoming the first NFL team to win three consecutive Super Bowl titles, Butker’s return will be key to their playoff hopes.

The 29-year-old received a substantial contract extension in August, and he's been living up to it with another impressive season, converting 18 of 20 field goals and 21 of 22 extra points. Replacing him, even temporarily, will be a challenge for the Chiefs, especially considering the close nature of their games this season.

The Chiefs have won seven of their nine games by just one score, making Butker’s contributions all the more crucial to their success.

Many social media users celebrated Harrison Butker's injury, especially women who mocked the kicker now that he has to be a "stay-at-home husband."

"Real men don't miss work," one user said.

"Too busy bending the knee to Trump huh," another individual said.

"Please take all of Harrison Butker’s pain and have it stay exactly where it is," a third wrote.

"I'll never wish injury upon a man, but I do appreciate that Butker will have more time to spend in the kitchen due to this knee injury," one X user expressed, referencing the comments he made earlier this year during his commencement speech.

"How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world," the NFL kicker said in his speech on May 11. "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."

He later spoke about his wife, who "would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother."

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Butker publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election, citing Trump's strong pro-life stance as a primary reason for his support.

Butker emphasized the importance of prioritizing the protection of the unborn, stating, "I'm supporting the president that's going to be the most pro-life president. The [Pro-life] topic is the most crucial topic for me. I want us to be fighting for the most vulnerable."

"I think you have to vote for whoever is gonna be the most pro-life, and we have to be prayerful men that put God first. I think that's what's going to be best for our country," he added.

The NFL player has maintained his stance amid continued backlash over his controversial commencement speech, in which he discussed parenting choices and gender roles. He firmly stated that there is "nothing shameful" about raising children.

“I’m definitely saddened [some people] took it in a poor manner,” the Kansas City Chiefs kicker said on Fox News’ "The Ingraham Angle." “I was talking to a specific crowd that I think was able to understand what I was trying to say.”

“But I was trying to speak life for so many women that have dedicated their life to being the homemaker, being the one that raises the children," he continued. "And it’s a beautiful role, but it’s not a role that should be diminished.”