NFL Responds to Chiefs Kicker's Controversial Graduation Speech
The league distanced itself from the conversation.
The Kansas City Chiefs have been the crown jewel of the NFL this decade. With three Super Bowl victories in the last four years, the team boasts some of the most celebrated players in the league like quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.
Harrison Butker has been a part of the team through its reign in recent years, though the kicker has found himself in hot water recently after giving a polarizing commencement speech at Benedictine College on May 11.
In his address to graduating students, Butker seemingly lamented the growth of family planning options like IVF and surrogacy, derided the "deadly sin" of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and urged women to focus not on their careers in the workplace after graduation, but their homemaking duties as wives and mothers.
Needless to say, Butker touched off a firestorm online with his speech. Some have even advocated for the Chiefs to release him from the team, with a petition already garnering over 100,000 signatures. The NFL itself is now weighing in on the situation.
The league's senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane explained the NFL's position to Today. "[Butker] gave a speech in his personal capacity," he said. "His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger."
For now, Butker and the rest of the team is enjoying some time off the field before returning for training camp this summer. It remains to be seen if Butker will branch out beyond football like some of his teammates are, including Travis Kelce breaking into acting and Patrick Mahomes landing multiple brand endorsement deals.