Travis Kelce is the latest Kansas City Chiefs With kicker Harrison Butker facing intense scrutiny following his commencement speech at a Catholic university in Kansas earlier this month, players on the team came out in defense of Butker’s character on Friday.
The veteran tight end spoke about the topic on the latest episode of the “New Heights” podcast alongside his brother, a former professional wrestler. Philadelphia Eagles Center Jason Kelsey.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (right) speaks next to kicker Harrison Butker during a press conference at the DFB Campus. (Arne Dedert/Photo Alliance via Getty Images)
“I’ve known him for over seven years, probably eight years, and I value him as a teammate,” Kelce said of Butker, whom he calls “Harry.”
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“Pat [Mahomes] “The best way to describe him is just that he’s a great person and a great teammate. He’s treated my friends and family that I’ve introduced him to with respect and kindness, and he treats everyone the same.”
Butker and the Chiefs have been in the spotlight since he gave a speech at Benedictine University in Atchison, Kansas on May 11. While sharing his Catholic views, Butker touched on a variety of topics, including abortion and the LGBTQ community. Speaking directly to the female graduating class, he spoke about the importance of being a housewife, calling it “one of the most important titles you can have.”
Kelsey admitted. He said he disagreed with the “vast majority” of the speech, but added that he had no interest in judging anyone based on their “religious views.”
“His views and what he said in his commencement speech at St. Benedict’s College are his own. I don’t agree with most of it, or almost any part of it, except that he loves his family and his children. And I don’t think we should judge him on his views, especially his religious views on life. That’s not who I am.”
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (No. 87) celebrates with placekicker Harrison Butker (No. 7) after Butker kicked the game-winning field goal against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Denny Medley – USA Today Sports)
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Drawing from her own experience of being raised by working parents, Kelsey expressed gratitude for all “walks of life.”
“My mom and my dad both provided for their families. And my mom and my dad both built their homes. So they were homemakers, they were providers, they were there every day of my life. And I think that was a beautiful upbringing for me.”
“Now, I don’t think everyone should be like my parents, but I’m incredibly grateful to them and how they provided for me and kept my home the way it was,” he added.
Donna and Ed Kelsey Jason and Travis Kelsey’s parents, Jason Kelsey, took the stage before their sons were presented with their diplomas from the University of Cincinnati, their alma mater. Though both brothers earned their degrees, they never attended a graduation ceremony. (Karla Owsley/The Enquirer/USA Today Network)
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Jason Kelsey agreed, adding that Butker’s emphasis on family dynamics was one of the most important lessons learned.
“I don’t think enough people talk about the importance and seriousness of family foundations and parenthood,” Jason said. “I think if you’re going to be a parent, it should be the most important thing in your life.”
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