Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's recent commencement address at a private Catholic liberal arts school in Kansas has sparked strong reactions, leading to a surge in demand for his Chiefs jersey.
As of Thursday, Butker's jersey is among the most sought-after fan gear on NFL.com, alongside the jersey of Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Butker, who wore No. 87 during his college football days with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, currently sports jersey No. 7 as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.
His recent speech at Benedictine College covered a wide range of topics, including his views on COVID-19 policies and abortion.
In his commencement address, Butker expressed his concerns about what he described as "bad"
COVID-19 policies and poor leadership, which he believes have negatively impacted major life issues such as abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, and the growing support for what he referred to as "degenerate cultural values and media."
The NFL's response to Butker's speech was to distance itself from his views, emphasizing that the kicker spoke in his "personal capacity."
Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, stated that Butker's views do not represent those of the NFL as an organization, reaffirming the league's commitment to inclusion.
Butker, known for his conservative Catholic beliefs, has been vocal about his views on marriage and family.
In a commencement speech at his alma mater last year, he encouraged the graduating class to "get married and start a family" as a controversial antidote that he believes will have a lasting impact for generations to come.
The kicker also addressed the women in the audience at Benedictine College, congratulating them on their achievements and urging them to embrace what he considers the "most important titles of all" as a Catholic.
He emphasized the significance of marriage and motherhood, sharing his belief that his own success is made possible by his wife's embrace of her vocation as a homemaker.
Butker's remarks have sparked both support and criticism, with some applauding his outspoken faith-based stance while others have expressed concern about the intertwining of personal beliefs with public statements.
The Kansas City Chiefs have not yet commented on Butker's speech.
Harrison Butker was drafted by the Chiefs in 2017 and has since become known for his impressive 89.1 career field goal percentage.
He has been a part of three Super Bowl-winning teams during his time with the Chiefs.
The demand for Butker's jersey following his commencement address highlights the impact that athletes' off-field actions and statements can have on their public image and marketability.
Whether this surge in jersey sales will be sustained or whether it is a temporary reaction to Butker's controversial remarks remains to be seen.
Butker's willingness to speak out on contentious issues demonstrates the complex intersection of sports, personal beliefs, and public discourse.
As athletes continue to use their platforms to address social and political issues, the line between personal expression and professional representation becomes increasingly blurred.
As the debate surrounding Harrison Butker's commencement address continues, it raises important questions about the role of athletes as public figures and the responsibilities that come with their influence.
Whether Butker's outspoken views will have a lasting impact on his career and public perception remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his speech has sparked significant discussion and reflection both within and outside the world of sports.
