Chiefs Kingdom weighs in on Harrison Butker’s commencement speech

The Chiefs Kingdom is weighing in on Harrison Butker’s controversial commencement speech. (Source: KCTV)
Published: May. 16, 2024 at 9:41 PM CDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Controversy continues to grow around Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker after comments from his commencement speech at Benedictine College have gone viral.

In the speech, Butker touched on multiple topics including abortion and “dangerous gender ideologies.” He also said he wouldn’t be where he is if not for his wife embracing “one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.”

Butker’s comments were condemned by the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. St. Scholastica. In a statement on Thursday, the Sisters said they “do not believe that Harrison Butker’s comments in his 2024 Benedictine College commencement address represent the Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college that our founders envisioned and in which we have been so invested.”

However, Tavia Hunt, the wife of Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt and director of the team’s women’s organization, posted on Instagram in support of Butker.

“Affirming motherhood and praising your wife, as well as highlighting the sacrifice and dedication it takes to be a mother is not bigoted,” Hunt wrote. “It is empowering to acknowledge that a woman’s hard work in raising children is not in vain.”

READ MORE: Tavia Hunt shares thoughts on motherhood, married life following Chiefs kicker’s commencement speech

In addition, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft are coming to Butker’s defense for a now-deleted tweet from Kansas City’s “X” account. The account posted that Butker does not live in Kansas City, but in a nearby suburb. Bailey and Aschcoft accuse KCMO of doxxing Butker for his religious beliefs.

KCTV5 caught up with people at the Country Club Plaza on Thursday to see what Chiefs Kingdom thought of Butker’s comments.

“I think that’s his personal opinion,” said Trianna Wilborn. “He’s free to say whatever he wants, and it really doesn’t offend me personally.”

However, others felt Butker’s speech crossed a line.

“I think think that’s extraordinarily depressing,” said Fran Haegly. “I just think for a role model for both men and women, misogyny is not the answer.”

“I don’t really believe the comments and everything he said, but he’s still a good person,” said Will Johnson.

While Butker’s commencement speech got him in hot water, it is doing numbers for his jersey sales. The three-time Super Bowl Champion is now the No. 2 selling jersey on the Chiefs’ website -- after tight end Travis Kelce and ahead of quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“I would still buy his jersey,” Wilborn said.

“He has sold more than Kelce and Mahomes today,” said Aaron Lewis, the manager of Rally House on the Plaza. “Just with the demand after the speech, everything else. It’s been men and women; it’s been both of them calling to get his jersey.”

As for Butker’s next reception at Arrowhead, the fans we talked to think he will be greeted by cheers, not jeers.

“They are absolutely going to cheer,” Wilborn said of Chiefs fans. “There will be no complaints.” “I’m really cheering for him because that man, he is the best kicker in the world,” said Johnson. “There is nobody that can touch him.”