Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid voiced support for Harrison Butker on Wednesday after the Chiefs kicker’s controversial commencement speech garnered national backlash.
Speaking this month at a Benedictine College graduation ceremony, Butker condemned Pride month and expounded about women prioritizing the role of homemaker.
“There’s certain things that he said that I don’t necessarily agree with, but I understand the person that he is, and he’s trying to do whatever he can to lead people in the right direction,” Mahomes said during a press conference at Wednesday’s OTAs.
“That might not be the same values as I have, but at the same time, I’m going to judge him by the character that he shows every single day: That’s a great person.”
Butker, a three-time Super Bowl winner entering his eighth season with Kansas City, spoke for about 20 minutes at the small Catholic liberal arts college in Atchison, Kan., on May 11.
During the speech, Butker, who is Catholic, took a shot at June’s celebration of the LGBTQ community by referencing a “deadly sin sort of pride that has an entire month dedicated to it.”
Addressing the women in the audience, Butker said, “Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
Reid on Wednesday downplayed the notion Butker’s comments could serve as a distraction.
“We’re a microcosm of life,” said Reid, who has been the Chiefs head coach throughout Butker’s tenure.
“Everybody is from different areas, different religions, different races, and so we all get along, we all respect each other’s opinions, and not necessarily do we go by those, but we respect everybody to have a voice,” he said. “That’s the great thing about America, and we’re just, like I said, a microcosm of that. My wish is that everybody could kind of follow that.”
Last week, the NFL distanced itself from Butker’s comments, with chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane saying the kicker’s “views are not those of the NFL as an organization.” Meanwhile, in an Instagram story, ESPN’s Sam Ponder described a petition urging the Chiefs to cut Butker as “totally un-American,” writing “Why can’t we just respectfully disagree?!”
Butker is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season.
