Chiefs’ Travis Kelce breaks silence on Harrison Butker speech

Nearly a week ago now, a Kansas City Chiefs player started popping up on social media…but they weren’t your usual suspects. Kicker Harrison Butker’s keynote speech was heavily criticized by many fans due to the sexist stereotypes it appears to perpetuate. There have been numerous calls for Butker to be kicked off the team, with a petition circulating.

Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid have already made their comments on Harrison Butker’s speech, implying that they don’t necessarily agree with the kicker’s views. On his podcast, Travis Kelce broke his silence on this subject. The Chiefs star said that while he respected Butker as a family man, he disagreed with much of the kicker’s speech. (quotes from The Athletic)

“He treated the friends and family I introduced to him with nothing but respect and kindness. And that’s how he treats everyone. When it comes to his opinions and what he said (in his) opening speech, those are his. I can’t say I agree with the majority of things or just about anything other than the simple fact that he loves his family and his children. And I don’t think I should judge him on his views, especially his religious views, on how to live life, that’s just not who I am.

Kelce also highlighted that both of his parents were “housewives and providers”, with the Chiefs star thanking them profusely for their role in his life.

“They were amazing to be there every day of my life,” Kelce said. “It was a great education for me. …I’m not the same person without them both being who they were in my life.

Leaders’ reaction to Butker’s provocative speech

Mahomes and Reid made their first comments during a recent Chiefs media day. For Mahomes, his feelings are similar to Kelce’s: he doesn’t agree with his point of view, but he will judge him based on the character he shows.

“I’ve known (Butker) for seven years. I judge him on the character he shows on a daily basis and he is a good person. …We won’t always agree. He said some things that I don’t agree with.

As for Reid, the Chiefs head coach said he felt there was no need to discuss Butker’s opinions further.

“I didn’t think I needed to (answer it). We are a microcosm of life,” Reid said when asked about Butker’s comments. “We all respect each other’s opinions. We all have a voice.

Butker’s opening speech featured several controversial takes. Among these are his derision of “Pride Month” as one of the deadly sins, his declaration that a woman’s most important title is to be a “housewife”, and his criticism of the abortion and the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That’s a lot to unpack. Butker’s comments about “housewives” have sparked a lot of backlash because they perpetuate outdated gender norms that put women in boxes that have long been broken. The way the Chiefs star worded his statement certainly didn’t help matters.

“It is you women who have told the most diabolical lies. Some of you may go on to successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are very excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into the world.

Either way, Butker has carte blanche to say what he thinks. Free speech is free speech, after all. Still, that won’t excuse the Chiefs star from the criticism he received and will continue to receive because of that speech.