Harrison Butker isn’t afraid to raise his voice while most athletes remain silent

Instead of heading to the Bahamas or finding the nearest golf resort, controversial Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker spent his bye week endorsing Donald Trump for president and campaigning for Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley.

“I’m supporting the president who will be the most pro-life president and I think that will be Donald Trump,” Butker told Fox News. “It’s the most crucial topic for me. I want us to fight for the most vulnerable and the unborn.”

Butker sat next to Mr. Hawley as they were both interviewed on “The Ingraham Angle.” The Chiefs kicker was not wearing a helmet or jersey, but appeared to be in his element amid a Republican rally for Hawley.

“This is a guy who is not afraid to speak the truth, who is not afraid to say that we have to stand on the principles that this country was founded on,” Hawley said of Butker, who was criticized during the spring when his commencement speech at Benedictine College criticized President Joe Biden, Pride Month, COVID lockdowns and said women should be more proud of being homemakers than pursuing a professional career.

“When the left went after him in such a crazy, crazy way last spring, he didn’t give an inch,” Hawley said. “We need more of this in the United States of America. It’s a privilege to have his support.”

Butker is one of the few high-profile athletes to make a public endorsement in the upcoming presidential election. The political activism that was so visible after the George Floyd murders dissipated into silent whispers as the November elections approached.

Butker’s teammates, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, have said they will not support a candidate. “I think my job is to inform people to register to vote, to inform people to do their own research and then make the best decision for themselves and their families,” Mahomes told reporters in September.

His partners have been more political, with Mahomes’ wife Brittany liking a pro-Trump Instagram post, and Kelce’s pop star girlfriend Taylor Swift openly endorsing Kamala Harris.

Both presidential candidates positioned themselves as fans of amateur and professional sports. Trump participated in several mixed martial arts and football games this fall, while Harris spent part of the lead-up to the Olympics courting the U.S. men’s and women’s basketball teams.

After Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee, WNBA stars Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty and A’Ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces said they supported the vice president. “The things she stands for, we stand for,” Stewart said in July.

Stephen Curry also praised Ms. Harris, who visited TEAM USA while training for the Paris Olympics in Las Vegas. He also addressed the Democratic Convention via video, saying, “I believe that as President, Kamala can bring back unity and continue to move our country forward.”

Curry’s coach at Golden State, Steve Kerr, also said he supports Harris. Other than that, most of the sports stars didn’t say much, except for Mr. Butker, who doubled down on his commencement speech last May.

“I was trying to talk about life for so many women who dedicated their lives to being a housewife, to being the one who raises their children.” Butker spoke about his speech to graduates who spent four years and thousands of dollars earning a degree to start their careers. “It’s a beautiful role and one that shouldn’t be diminished.

“This is not about demeaning anyone who wants to get an excellent education and have a career,” he added. “It’s more about how beautiful it is for women to maybe step away and prioritize family and spend more time with their kids.”

Butker’s support of stay-at-home moms hasn’t hurt his value with the Chiefs. He signed a four-year, $25.6 million contract in August, making him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL. He has made 8 of 10 field goal attempts this season, including a long 53 yards. The Chiefs are off to a 5-0 start in a year in which they are trying to become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls.

The NFL is not ignoring the election. During Weeks 8 and 9 of the NFL season, the league will promote its NFL Votes campaign, which focuses on increasing participation in voter education, voter registration and voter activation.

The NFL is using videos featuring prominent players to encourage potential voters to ensure they are registered. Other ads featuring players focus on voter turnout. All 32 teams will also participate in events that support civic engagement.