Harrison Butker received a message of support from Chiefs teammate Chris Jones

The NFL distanced itself this week from comments made by Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during Sunday’s commencement speech at Benedictine College, and thousands of people on social media shared their displeasure with his message.

An online petition calling for Butker to be released by the Chiefs has garnered nearly 175,000 signatures. Butker’s speech was a hot topic with almost every online media outlet in the United States publishing articles about what was said.

On television, Butker has been the subject of discussion on programs as varied as “The View” and cable news shows.

While the Chiefs have remained mum thus far about Butker, a teammate spoke out in support of the kicker Thursday night.

Defensive tackle Chris Jones responded to a post on this online petition and wrote on X: “I love you @buttkicker7! Besides”

Jones doubled down on his support for Butker by responding to the fan who asked if this post would be deleted. No way, Jones said.