Following his controversial commencement speech on May 11, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has become a polarizing figure on social media.
Late on the evening of May 16, however, Butker received a public show of support from superstar teammate and defensive leader Chris Jones. “I love you @buttkicker7! My brotha,” Jones posted publicly to his 298,000 followers on X.
The message came in response to a fan petition “demanding” that the Chiefs dismiss Butker for his “discriminatory remarks.” And Jones’ post quickly went viral with over 1 million views and 15,000 likes in under three hours.
“There’s currently a petition on http://change.org calling for the Chiefs to release Harrison Butker for his commencement speech,” Greg Price — who serves as the director of communications for the conservative State Freedom Caucus Network — relayed on social media.
The petition had over 165,000 signatures as of 12 a.m. Central time on May 17.
Price’s post — which Jones shared in his tweet — added: “You think of all the horrible things current NFL players have done — Tyreek Hill beating his kids, DeShaun Watson, the various deadbeat Dads. But it’s the Catholic guy telling women that families are more important than careers where people draw the line.”
Chiefs & NFL Fans Respond to Chris Jones & Harrison Butker Petition
Responses to both Jones’ comment and the petition against Butker were mixed.
“Men supporting bad men a tale as old as time,” one popular reply to Jones’ post read.
Another person backed Jones, responding: “This made my night [number] 95.”
Another wrote, “You are now my new favorite Chiefs player and just showed amazing character.”
“Don’t agree with the petition, but lost all respect for the man,” another fan wrote. “If we lived in ‘his’ times, neither one of us would have any rights. Sorry Chris.”
Reactions to the petition leaned heavily in favor of Butker. Price’s original post drawing attention to the petition on May 15 had received more than 9.6 million views and 40,000 likes by the morning of May 17.
One popular comment read: “It is his opinion & his 1st amendment protects his right to free speech. Ridiculous if the Chief’s cave.”
Another fan wrote: “Harrison Butker is arguably the best kicker in the NFL. The Chiefs aren’t going to release him. Not sure why Tyreek Hill or DeShaun Watson are still in the NFL.”
“I missed the petition to release Rashee Rice after he caused a 6 car accident after drag racing in the highway, then fleeing the scene,” a third popular retort read.
Another person noted: “He gave a commencement speech at a private Catholic college in which students got a Christ centered education. This speech was not intended for the woke, progressive, radical left. Bravo Mr. Butker 👏.”
“Here’s a good idea why don’t sports figures and teams stay the hell out of politics,” another person wrote. “I’m proud of him. I’m very proud of his remarks, but I bet he loses his job.”
A counter-petition has also been started in “support” of Butker. It had just over 10,000 signatures by the morning of May 17.
Recap of Harrison Butker’s Commencement Speech
The controversy began when Butker delivered the commencement speech at Benedictine College — a private Catholic liberal arts college in Atchison, Kansas — on May 11. He told the audience:
I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. … 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.
I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother. I’m on this stage today, and able to be the man I am, because I have a wife who leans into her vocation.
I’m beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.
Butker married his wife in 2018. The couple has two children and is thought to be expecting a third.
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Chris Jones’ Message to Harrison Butker Goes Viral Amid ‘Release’ Petition