The Kansas City Chiefs will celebrate their second straight Super Bowl victory at the White House on Friday amid a whirlwind of drama that has gripped the organization since the clock hit triple zero at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in February.
The Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in Super Bowl LVIII to win the title. It was also his third victory in five years.
Since that game, the Chiefs have returned to the national spotlight for several reasons.
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Read a summary of the team's biggest stories below before the celebration begins.
Harrison Butker under attack
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker looks on from the sideline before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 20, 2023. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker generated opinions from both sides of the spectrum during his commencement speech at Benedictine College earlier this month. The speech, rooted in his Christian beliefs, addressed how women have been told “diabolical lies,” how his wife adopted the role of “housewife” and attacked President Biden for his beliefs on abortion despite being Catholic.
Butker said last week that he has no regrets about his speech.
“In recent days, my beliefs or what people think I believe have been the center of countless discussions around the world,” he said on May 24. “At first, many people expressed a shocking level of hate… But as the days went by, even those who disagreed with my views shared their support for my freedom of religion.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that Butker was still invited to the celebration. Last year, Butker wore a tie that read “Vulnerari Praesidio,” which is Latin for “protect the most vulnerable.”
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Butker's colleagues speak
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks to the media after the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 11. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid were among those who spoke out in defense of Butker.
“I've known Harrison for seven years. I judge him by the character he shows every day,” Mahomes said. “We won't always agree, and there are certain things he said that I don't necessarily agree with. But I know the person he is and he's doing what he can to guide people in the right direction.”
“There are certain values that some people emphasize more than others. There are certain things that I don't necessarily agree with,” Mahomes said. “I know what kind of person he is. I'll look at that first.”
Reid made it clear that the Chiefs locker room was a melting pot of different points of view and ideas.
“We are a microcosm of life here. We come from different areas. Different religions. Different races. But we get along well. We all respect each other's opinions, and we don't necessarily go by them, but we respect everyone in their opinion.” have a voice,” he said.
Push for gun control?
Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and other Kansas City Chiefs players celebrate during the Super Bowl parade in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 14. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Days after the Super Bowl victory, the Chiefs' celebration parade became the scene of a deadly mass shooting. Calls for gun control immediately spread on social media.
Jean-Pierre was asked this week if Biden would discuss gun violence prevention with the team, but he declined to say what specifically the president would discuss, according to the Kansas City Star.
The shooting at the Super Bowl parade left one dead and 22 injured. Several adults and two juveniles were charged in the shooting.
Taylor Swift appearance?
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have captivated the world as an A-list celebrity couple. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Rumors about Taylor Swift appearing in Washington, DC, alongside star tight end Travis Kelce, emerged in the days leading up to the event, as did speculation about her possible endorsement of Biden in the 2024 presidential election.
Swift endorsed Biden in 2020, but has so far made no suggestion that she will endorse him. When asked in February if he expected Swift's endorsement, President Biden responded: “He's qualified.”
Jean-Pierre did not say whether Swift would attend Friday, but noted that White House staff are hopeful.
“That's a good question. I think the Swifties behind these double doors are hoping Taylor Swift shows up. I don't have anything for you,” he said via The Kansas City Star. “I don't know. I can't talk about her schedule, but I know there is a lot of interest in this building and on campus.”
Swift was in Madrid on Thursday night and could potentially fly to DC before resuming her weekend tour.
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Lack of support
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks to pass during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Nov. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Mahomes is among the faces of the NFL. He waded into political and social waters by calling on the league to address the murder of George Floyd.
In an interview with Time magazine earlier this year, he declined to endorse Biden or Donald Trump for president.
“I don't want to pressure anyone to vote for a certain president,” he told the outlet. “I want people to use their voice, regardless of who they believe in. I want them to do the research.”
