Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has sung his family’s praises through the years.
Harrison expressed his gratitude towards his mom as his greatest supporter during his upbringing, shaping him into the man he is today. He acknowledged her influence in a heartfelt message shared by the Kansas City Chiefs in honor of Mother’s Day in May 2020. He also highlighted the significance of his wife in his life, praising her for being an incredible mother to their son and making numerous sacrifices for their family.
During his controversial commencement speech in May 2024 at Benedictine College in Kansas, which gained widespread attention online, Harrison mentioned his wife, Isabelle Butker. He emphasized Isabelle’s role as a wife and mother, stating that she believed her life truly began when she embraced these roles.
Harrison recognized the importance of his spouse in his achievements, crediting her for her support and dedication. He acknowledged that his successes were made possible because of the woman he met in band class during middle school who later converted to his faith, became his wife, and embraced the vital role of a homemaker.
Scroll down to get to know Harrison’s family:
James Keller
Harrison’s grandfather, James, worked in oncology at Atlanta’s Emory University — like Harrison’s mom, Elizabeth Butker — for 28 years before he retired in 2011.
Elizabeth Butker
Elizabeth has been a medical physicist at Emory University’s department of radiation oncology since 1988, per her LinkedIn. Elizabeth specializes in brachytherapy and Gamma Knife medical physics care, according to a 2020 article by Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute.
Elizabeth received her master’s degree in medical physics from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1988. She previously attended Smith College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1985.
“What an amazing ride these past three years have been for us watching Butker play for the Chiefs,” Elizabeth said in Emory University’s January 2020 newsletter. “We are so proud not only of Butker’s success as a kicker in the NFL but also of the man he has become. Let’s GO CHIEFS!”
Harrison Butker Sr.
Butker Sr. is a financial analyst at MDKeller, where the NFL player is the co-founder, president and COO. Butker Sr. previously received his MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta business school.
Charlotte Butker
Another athlete in the family, Harrison’s older sister, Charlotte, previously played soccer for Emory University.
Isabelle Butker
Harrison and Isabelle began dating in high school. After they started their relationship, Isabelle converted to Harrison’s religion, Catholicism.
“I had a moment one day where I was asking God, you know, ‘OK, I need you to show me, you know, what is right. What is the right path? Like, do I go this way or do I go with what Harrison’s doing?’” she said during a May 2019 interview with EWTN. “It’s weird. In that moment, I actually felt like I was physically being embraced,” Isabelle added, “and we were at mass at the time, and that was kind of the moment when I decided I want to be Catholic.”
In May 2017, he popped the question to Isabelle, and the pair tied the knot the following year.
“A lot changes with Division I football, playing in the NFL, but she’s been by my side through everything,” Harrison said during a January 2023 appearance on the “Kansas City Mom Collective” podcast.
James Butker
Harrison announced the birth of his and Isabelle’s first child, son James, in January 2019.
“The birth of James was one of the highlights of my life,” James told EWTN in May 2019. “I was just talking with my wife, Isabelle, and I think we probably put our marriage first, our wedding number one, and then the birth of James was incredible.”
Harrison and Isabelle’s Daughter
While the couple did not publicly share news of their daughter’s birth, he celebrated his second Super Bowl win in February 2023 with her by his side. Her name has yet to be announced.
Harrison and Isabelle’s Third Child
Harrison and Isabelle apparently share a third child but have not disclosed more information about them. On the MDKeller website, his bio reads, “A devout Catholic, he is married to his high school sweetheart and together they have three children.”
