Travis Kelce, a teammate of Harrison Butker on the Kansas City Chiefs, shared his thoughts on Butker’s controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Kelce mentioned that he respects Butker as a teammate and appreciates the kindness he shows to others. He acknowledged that while he may not agree with Butker’s views, particularly those expressed in his speech, he does not believe in judging someone based on their beliefs, especially their religious views. Kelce shared that his upbringing in Ohio, which exposed him to people of different backgrounds and beliefs, has influenced his perspective.
Kelce also praised his parents for their role in shaping his upbringing, emphasizing the importance of both of them in his life. He expressed gratitude for the love and support they provided, noting that their presence in his life made a significant impact. Kelce highlighted how his parents were both homemakers and providers, showing him different ways of living and instilling in him a sense of appreciation for diversity. He emphasized that while not everyone needs to follow the same path as his parents, he values the lessons they taught him.
Jason Kelce, Travis’ brother and co-host of their podcast, echoed his sentiments about Butker’s speech. He noted that while he may not align with everything Butker said in his commencement address, it was delivered in a religious environment, which may have influenced the content. Jason emphasized the importance of understanding different perspectives and finding value in what others have to say, even if there are disagreements. He pointed out that Butker’s speech touched on themes like family and motherhood, which can be appreciated regardless of individual beliefs.
Prior to the Kelce brothers’ discussion, Patrick Mahomes, another Chiefs teammate, had also commented on Butker’s speech. Mahomes acknowledged that people in the locker room come from diverse backgrounds and may have varying views, but emphasized the importance of respecting one another. He noted that while he may not agree with everything Butker said, he understands his intentions and his desire to lead others in a positive direction. Mahomes’ comments highlighted the need for empathy and understanding in addressing controversial issues that arise within a team or organization.
In Butker’s address, he expressed views against birth control, IVF, and seemingly made a negative remark about Pride Month. His speech drew criticism from various quarters, including the NFL, which stated that his comments did not reflect the organization’s stance. A group of nuns associated with Benedictine College also criticized the content of Butker’s speech. In response to the backlash, the Los Angeles Chargers, one of the Chiefs’ rivals, even referenced Butker in a humorous manner in their promotional video. The controversy surrounding Butker’s speech has sparked discussions about freedom of speech, religious beliefs, and tolerance in a diverse society.
