Travis Kelce became the last Kansas City Chiefs The player will take a stand in defense of Harrison Butker's character on Friday amid intense scrutiny the kicker faced following his commencement speech at a Catholic university in Kansas earlier this month.
The veteran tight end addressed the topic during the latest episode of the “New Heights” podcast with his brother, the former Philadelphia Eagles Center Jason Kelce.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, right, speaks next to kicker Harrison Butker during a press conference at the DFB campus in Frankfurt, Germany, on Nov. 3, 2023. (Arne Dedert/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
“I've known him for over seven years, probably over eight years. And I appreciate him as a teammate,” Kelce said of Butker, whom he calls “Harry.”
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“I think Pat [Mahomes] I said it best: he is a great person and a great teammate. He has treated the friends and family I have introduced him to with nothing but respect and kindness, and that is how he treats everyone.”
Butker, and by association the Chiefs, have been the center of attention since his speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, on May 11. When speaking about his views as a Catholic, Butker made references to several topics, including abortion and the LGBTQ community. . Speaking directly to the graduates, he spoke about the importance of being a homemaker, what he called “one of the most important titles of all.”
Kelce admitted to disagree with the “majority” of the discourse, but added that he has no interest in judging anyone for their “religious views.”
“When it comes to his views and what he said in the St. Benedictine commencement speech, those are his. I can't say I agree with most or much of it, other than that he loves his family. and his children, and I don't think I should judge him for his views, especially his religious views, on how to live life. That's not who I am,” he said.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce celebrates with kicker Harrison Butker after Butker kicked the winning field goal against the Cincinnati Bengals during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City , Missouri, on January 30, 2023. (Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)
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Speaking from his own experience of being raised by two working parents, Kelce expressed his appreciation for all “walks of life.”
“My mother and father supported our family. And both my mother and father made the home what it was. So they were homemakers, providers, and they were amazing for being there every day of my life. And I think it was a beautiful education for me,” he said.
“Now, I don't think everyone should do it like my parents did, but I certainly thank my parents and love them for being able to provide and make sure the home was what it was,” she added. .
Donna and Ed Kelce, parents of Jason and Travis Kelce, take the stage before their children receive their diplomas from their alma mater, the University of Cincinnati, on April 8. Both brothers earned degrees but never participated in graduation ceremonies. (Cara Owsley/The Enquirer/USA Today Network)
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Jason Kelce echoed that sentiment, adding that one of the biggest takeaways was the importance Butker placed on family dynamics.
“I don't think we have enough people talking about the fundamentals of families and the importance and seriousness of parenthood,” Jason said. “If you're going to embark on being a father, I think it should be the most important thing in your life.”
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