Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs has secured his place as the highest-paid kicker in the NFL with a 4-year, $26 million contract extension, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The contract, which includes $17.75 million guaranteed, follows Butker’s standout season where he excelled in field goal percentage, extra-point percentage, and total points, culminating in another Super Bowl win for the Chiefs.

The deal arrives on the heels of a heated controversy triggered by Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College. During his address, Butker attributed his success to his wife and faith, and criticized Pride Month and President Biden’s pro-abortion policies. His remarks sparked outrage, leading to a Change.org petition with nearly 240,000 signatures demanding the Chiefs release him, labeling his comments as “sexist, homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion, and racist.”

Despite the backlash, Butker received strong support from the Chiefs’ ownership, head coach, and teammates. In response, Butker reiterated his commitment to his beliefs at the Courage Under Fire gala in Nashville, emphasizing that the “shocking level of hate” he faced would not silence him.

“If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now,” Butker said. He acknowledged the polarization his faith has caused but remained firm, saying, “It’s a decision I’ve consciously made, and one I do not regret at all.”