The Kansas City Chiefs organization and the NFL were hit with a whirlwind of backlash after kicker Harrison Butker delivered a commencement speech that was widely viewed as controversial. Butker espoused traditional social conservative opinions — including referring to Pride Month, celebrated by the LGBTQ+ community, as “the deadly sin sort of pride that has an entire month dedicated to it.”
Butker also promoted the idea of women focusing more on raising children and taking care of their home than entering the workforce. His speech was quickly plastered all over the internet, with the NFL swiftly disavowing Butker’s opinions.
Responses also came from Butker’s coach and quarterback, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, respectively. Reid and Mahomes had differing responses to the commencement speech, but ultimately stated that Butker’s opinions are his own, and not ones that they agree with.
Now, one of the NFL’s most media-friendly players — Chiefs tight end and podcaster Travis Kelce — has weighed in. It seemed only a matter of time until Kelce addressed the situation on his highly popular “New Heights Podcast.”
Kelce stated on the show, “I can’t say I agree with the majority of it, or just about any of it outside of just him loving his family and kids.”
Kelce’s stance was similar to Mahomes, who stated, “I’ve known him for seven years. I judge him by the character he shows every day and that’s a good person.”
Kelce did confirm that he doesn’t agree with what Butker said — like many on the Chiefs and around the NFL did already. The commencement speech has drawn ire, though many players have distanced themselves and are likely wanting to focus on offseason OTAs.
Kelce and the Chiefs are aiming to be the first team in the NFL to secure a third Super Bowl victory in a row. The team also gave Kelce an extension to ensure that his high-level play will be a part of their potential 2024-25 playoff run.
Kelce was awarded a two-year, $34.25 million deal that will keep him on the Chiefs through the 2025 season. Head coach Andy Reid, general manager Brett Veach, and team president Mark Donovan were also given extensions by the organization, meaning this Chiefs team will be staying together and chasing championships for many more years.
As for Kelce, taking on potential fan backlash comes with the territory of hosting a podcast. The blowback — if he receives any at all — will come swiftly.
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