Travis Kelce has shared his thoughts on his Kansas City Chiefs teammate Harrison Butkerโs controversial commencement speech earlier this month at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.
The Chiefs have faced several distractions since their recent Super Bowl win, the latest being Harrison Butker’s polarizing speech at Benedictine College, which attracted significant attention on social media. Star tight end Travis Kelce defended Butker this week on his “New Heights” podcast.
“I’ve known him for over seven years, maybe eight,” Kelce stated. “I value him as a teammate. I think (Patrick Mahomes) put it well: he is truly a great person and teammate. He has always shown respect and kindness to my friends and family, and thatโs how he treats everyone. While I donโt agree with most of his views from the commencement speech, especially his religious perspectives, I believe itโs unfair to judge him solely by those views. I was raised in a diverse environment with various social classes, religions, races, and ethnicities. My parents provided a loving home for us.”
Kelce’s brother, Jason, echoed similar thoughts on the podcast.
“I appreciated the teammates’ and Andy Reid’s reactions,” Jason said. “You understand who people truly are based on their daily behavior. Many things he said do not align with my beliefs, but he was speaking at a Catholic university, so it was naturally a religious and Catholic-oriented speech.”
Commissioner Roger Goodell also commented on Butker’s speech, reiterating that the NFL does not share those views and emphasizes inclusion, which strengthens the league.
When asked about the topic again, Goodell highlighted the league’s diversity of opinions. “We have over 3,000 players, each with their own views and thoughts, reflecting the broader society. We value that diversity as it enriches us.”
Chiefs’ notable figures like Mahomes and Reid also stood by Butker during Kansas City’s OTA session.
“I know Harrison well,” said Mahomes. “Weโve been teammates for seven years. I judge him by his everyday character, which shows he is a good and caring person. While I donโt agree with everything he said, I understand he intends to positively influence society. In the locker room, we have people from all walks of life with different views, and we don’t always agree. But I recognize the values he displays daily, and thatโs what I focus on.”
Reid supported Mahomes’ view, expressing that he did not feel the need to address the issue with Butker personally.
“I talk to Harrison frequently,” Reid remarked. “This didnโt seem necessary to discuss. Our team reflects a broader society, with diverse backgrounds, religions, and races. We respect each other’s opinions. Thatโs a hallmark of America, and I wish more people could adopt this approach.”
Reid dismissed the concern when asked how he would react to any Chiefs women who might find Butker’s remarks offensive.
“I donโt think Harrison meant to offend women,” Reid said. “He has his opinions, and we respect those. Just as I respect the opinions in this room, even those I disagree with.”
Butker faced backlash, especially on social media, after his May 11 speech to practicing Catholics, where he addressed contentious issues like abortion and cultural values. He argued that women had been misled about prioritizing careers over motherhood and criticized Pride Month. He also urged men to take on more home and community responsibilities.
After his comments went viral, Butker, known as one of the NFL’s most accurate kickers, saw his jersey become a top seller.
Frequently asked questions
What did Butker do?
In his May 11 presentation to graduates at Benedictine Institution, a Catholic liberal arts institution in Atchison, Kansas, Butker discussed birth control, abortion, and Pride Month, condemning it as a “deadly sin.”
What did Travis Kelce say about Butker?
In a new episode of his New Heights podcast, Kelce initially referred to Butker as a “great person” and “great teammate.” He went on to say, “He has treated friends and family that I have introduced to him with nothing but respect and kindness.” “And that is how he treats everyone.”
What did Mahomes say about Harrison Butker?
“I know Harrison. I’ve known him for seven years, and I assess him based on the character he demonstrates every day, which is that he’s a nice guy. That is someone who cares for others around him, his family, and wants to make a positive contribution to society.
