Harrison Butker Steps Out Solo on the 2024 ESPY Awards Red Carpet Exactly 2 Months After Controversial Speech

The Chiefs kicker walked the red carpet ahead of the awards ceremony on Thursday, July 11

harrison butker

PHOTO: FRAZER HARRISON/GETTY

Harrison Butker is award-show-ready!

The Kansas City Chiefs kicker, 28, stepped out at the 2024 ESPY Awards ahead of the ceremony to pose for pictures, exactly two months after his controversial comments about women made at a  May 11 commencement speech went viral.

For the outing, Butker sported a cream-colored tuxedo jacket over pinstriped pants and black loafers sans socks.

The 2024 ESPY Awards: Live Updates as Serena Williams Hosts and Prince Harry Gets Honored

Butker’s appearance was in support of three nominations related to the team, including best franchise in the NFL, best NFL player (Patrick Mahomes), and best athlete (also for Mahomes).

Butker made headlines in May for his controversial comments about abortion, President Biden and COVID-19 during a commencement speech at Benedictine College in Kansas.

The kicker warned female graduates about “diabolical lies” that have been told to them, and at one point said that he “would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”

Harrison Butker Doubles Down on Controversial Comments Attacking Working Women and LGBTQ+ Community

Harrison Butker

Harrison Butker.AP PHOTO/CHARLIE RIEDEL

He went on to add that he was “beyond blessed” with his marriage and that his wife Isabelle is most fulfilled by her role as a “homemaker.”

Since then, Butker has made several other public appearances this year, including at the White House, when he and the rest of the Chiefs met with President Biden to celebrate their consecutive Super Bowl win.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The ESPY Awards are airing live on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. ET.