Colton Underwood Reacts to the NFL's Handling of Harrison Butker Incident (Exclusive)

Colton Underwood Says the NFLs Response to Harrison Butker Was Not Surprising

Colton Underwood, Harrison Butker Matt Winkelmeyer;Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images(2)

Colton Underwood criticized the NFL for its minimal response to Harrison Butker's controversial commencement address. Butker, who played defensive end at Illinois State and was signed by the San Diego Chargers in 2014, received little backlash for his speech. In his address, Butker urged women to embrace the role of "homemaker" and equated Pride Month to a "deadly sin."

"It doesn't surprise me," shared Underwood, 32, in an exclusive interview with We. "I've been a part of it myself. Ultimately, they are making a decision based on business. The NFL, despite being a sport, is also an entertainment industry."

Underwood, who has recently collaborated with Pressed Juicery to promote their special PRIDE Pack, added, "The contracts in the NFL are on a different level compared to other TV shows. The broadcast deals are huge and their impact is felt globally."

Petitions with hundreds of thousands of signatures demanding the release of the Kansas City Chiefs’ kicker, Butker, were initiated following his speech at Benedictine College on May 11.

Colton Underwood Says the NFLs Response to Harrison Butker Was Not Surprising

Harrison Butker's YouTube video sparked discussion in the NFL community. When asked to comment, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized the league's appreciation for diverse opinions, much like America. Butker's coach, Andy Reid, echoed this sentiment by stating that they all respect each other's thoughts and viewpoints.

Last week, Butker, who is 28 years old, went with his Chiefs teammates to the White House. They met President Joe Biden, and Butker criticized him for "supporting the murder of innocent babies" during his speech.

Underwood expressed disapproval of Butker's support, stating, "When you have a platform and a wide audience, it's important to lead by example."

He emphasized the importance of freedom of speech but also highlighted the accountability that comes with it. Expressing hateful views or belittling others based on their beliefs is something he strongly opposes.

Colton Underwood Says the NFLs Response to Harrison Butker Was Not Surprising

Underwood acknowledged Jonathan Beane, the NFL's senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer. Beane stated that Butker's views do not represent the NFL as a whole.

Underwood, who has experience as a member of the Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squads, responded to Butker’s comments about women by stating that women are capable of speaking for themselves. He emphasized that he does not need to speak on behalf of women, but he does feel a responsibility to stand up for LGBTQIA+-identifying individuals who were upset with the speech and the lack of consequences.

Expressing his disappointment, Underwood, who has a strong connection to sports, especially football, shared that he can speak for the LGBTQIA+ community. He expressed his disappointment with the situation, highlighting the need for accountability.

Editor's P/S:

The article sheds light on the controversy surrounding Harrison Butker's commencement address, which received minimal response from the NFL. While some, like Colton Underwood, criticize the league's lack of action, others, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, emphasize the importance of respecting diverse opinions. The incident highlights the delicate balance between freedom of speech and accountability, particularly in a public platform like the NFL.

Underwood's perspective as a former NFL player and member of the LGBTQIA+ community adds a personal dimension to the discussion. He emphasizes the responsibility of public figures to lead by example and the need for accountability for harmful or hateful views. The article also acknowledges the NFL's commitment to diversity and inclusion, as expressed by senior vice president Jonathan Beane. However, the lack of consequences for Butker's speech raises questions about the league's ability to effectively address such controversies.