Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has finally opened up on Harrison Butker’s controversial speech, with the kicker coming under heavy fire for his comments on women
Travis Kelce has spoken out, voicing his fondness for Harrison Butker, while distancing himself from the "majority" of Butker's views following his recent contentious speech.
Butker has found himself in hot water following his graduation speech at Benedictine College. He advised female graduates to aspire to be wives and mothers, rather than pursue careers, claiming that homemaking is an essential life goal for women.
Although Butker's religious beliefs have formed this perspective, many have labelled him misogynistic. Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, and head coach Andy Reid, stood by their kicker, stressing that everyone doesn't share the same ideologies while endorsing Butker's character.
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Given Kelce's relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, a massive influencer among young women, all eyes were on him for his response. Kelce finally addressed the controversy on his New Heights podcast, co-hosted with his brother Jason. While providing support to Butker, he clarified that he doesn't align with these beliefs.
"I cherish him as a teammate. I think Pat said it best where he is every bit of a great person and a great teammate," Kelce stated. "He's treated family and family that I've introduced to him with nothing but respect and kindness. And that's how he treats everyone.
"When it comes down to his views and what he said at Saint Benedict's commencement speech, those are his. I can't say I agree with the majority of it or just about any of it outside of just him loving his family and his kids. And I don't think that I should judge him by his views, especially his religious views, of how to go about life, that's just not who I am.
"I grew up in a beautiful upbringing of different social classes, different religions, different races, and ethnicities and that's why I love Cleveland Heights. It showed me a broad spectrum, a broad view of a lot of different walks of life. I appreciated every single one of these people for different reasons and I never once had to feel that I needed to judge them based on their beliefs."
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Kelce was in Europe while recording the latest podcast episode, as he is currently supporting Swift as she completes the international leg of her Eras Tour concert. It's been the main topic of interest surrounding the Chiefs and put organisation members in a tough spot, especially as a petition with over 220,000 signatures has called for Butker to be removed from the roster.
Kelce has voiced his support for Mahomes' perspective on the kicker during the voluntary OTAs. Mahomes commented: "I know Harrison. I've known Harrison for seven years. I judge him by the character that he shows every single day and he's a good person."
Mahomes further explained: "There's certain things that he said I don't necessarily agree with but I understand the person that he is. He's trying to do whatever he can to lead people in the right direction. Might not be the same values I have but at the same time, I'm going to judge him by the character that he shows every single day and that's a great person."
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