By Joiner Martínez
Brothers Travis and Jason Kelce, NFL champions with the Chiefs and Eagles, respectively, reacted to the controversy caused by kicker Harrison Butker’s comments regarding the role of women and the LGBT+ community.
Travis, rather than agreeing with Harrison Butker’s statements, defended the freedom of expression and tolerance that should exist in the face of different opinions, as Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs quarterback, said.
“I appreciate Harrison as a teammate. Pat expressed it by saying that he is a good person and great teammate. Harrison has been respectful and kind to everyone I have introduced him to, although when it comes to his views I can’t say I agree with the majority,” Travis stressed.
The tight end also pointed out that Butker should not be singled out for his way of thinking.
“It shouldn’t be judging him for his views or his religious opinion of how to live life. “I’m not like that,” Travis concluded.
NEW: Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce defends kicker Harrison Butker for comments he made during a speech but says he doesn’t necessarily agree with his opinions.
“I cherish him as a teammate. I think Pat said it best: He is every bit of a great person & a great teammate.”
“He’s… pic.twitter.com/uEPZxfsvKJ
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 24, 2024
Jason Kelce also spoke out
“Women are not the problem here. There is a bigger problem with the other gender in terms of raising children. If your children are not the most important thing in your life and that of your wife, in my opinion you are failing,” said Jason, a recently retired legend who was a champion in Super Bowl LII with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The former Eagles center spoke through his ‘New Heights’ podcast, which he did with his brother, a three-time Super Bowl winner, about what Butker said a couple of weeks ago.
“I want to talk to you women, because I think you have been told the most diabolical lies. Some may have successful careers, but I would dare say that the majority are more excited about their marriage and the children they will bring into the world,” were the words that the kicker spoke as a guest at a graduation speech at a Catholic university.
In that same speech, Butker called ‘LGBT+ Pride’ month a “mortal sin” and urged male graduates not to get confused, something that Jason Kelce did not see as serious.
“He talks about family, I don’t think we have enough people talking about the fundamentals of family and the seriousness of fatherhood,” added Jason, who even joked about the way he discussed the topic with his wife.
“My wife was a little frustrated with some of the comments at first, but I told her, listen and ‘then you’ll have to go back to the kitchen and make me a sandwich,’” he said to his brother’s laughter.
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