Kylie Kelce Was 'A Little Bit Frustrated' With Harrison Butker's Graduation Speech, Jason Says
Kylie Kelce and Jason Kelce. Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Kylie Kelce and her husband, Jason Kelce, both had concerns about certain parts of Harrison Butker's graduation speech. Jason mentioned on their podcast, "New Heights," that while he may not agree with everything said in the speech, he understands that it was given at a Catholic university, so it was expected to be religious and Catholic in nature. Jason also mentioned that he can still find value in listening to different perspectives.
Kylie, who is 31 years old, had a different response at first. Jason mentioned that his wife seemed a bit annoyed by some of the comments. He jokingly said, "I told her, 'You better go back to the kitchen and make me a sandwich. The game is on!'"
Jason and Travis, both 34 years old, couldn't help but burst out laughing at the "ridiculous" joke. They teased each other that they had managed to keep the conversation serious up until that point.
"I hope she doesn't hear that," Jason quietly muttered.
Butker, 28 years old, recently gave a speech at Benedictine College in Kansas. During his speech, he shared his views on topics such as the LGBTQIA+ community, IVF and surrogacy, and women choosing to be stay-at-home mothers.
As a member of the Kansas City Chiefs alongside Travis, Butker has not responded publicly to the criticism he received. However, the NFL made it clear that they do not support his remarks. Despite this, both Travis and Jason mentioned that they can respect Butker's beliefs even if they do not agree with them.
Jason Kelce Says Wife Kylie Was 'A Little Bit Frustrated' With Harrison Butker's Graduation Speech
Harrison Butker Luke Hales/Getty Images
Jason shared that it is important to recognize the value of family and the impact of a great mother. He emphasized that not everyone has to follow traditional gender roles if it does not align with their aspirations in life. When listening to others, he believes in embracing what resonates with you and respectfully disagreeing with what does not.
In addition, Jason expressed that becoming a parent is a significant responsibility. He mentioned his own experience raising his daughters with Kylie, Wyatt, Ellie, and Bennett, who are 4, 3, and 14 months old respectively. He also highlighted the broader issue of fathers being involved in raising their children, stating that it is not solely a women's concern.
"I believe it's crucial for more people to discuss the fundamental aspects of families and the significance of parenthood," he expressed. "When you decide to become a parent, it should be your top priority. In my view, if your children are not the most important part of your and your partner's lives, then you are not succeeding."
Jason Kelce Says Wife Kylie Was 'A Little Bit Frustrated' With Harrison Butker's Graduation Speech
Jason Kelce and his wife Kylie Kelce have three daughters. They shared a photo on Kylie's Instagram.
When thinking about his own family, the retired Philadelphia Eagles center also considered how he would feel if his daughters were in the crowd during Butker's speech.
Jason expressed his belief that if his daughters are told they should only be homemakers, he would consider himself a failure as a dad. He emphasized that it doesn't matter who is giving them that advice, and he encouraged them to not let anyone limit their potential by saying they can't achieve their goals, such as becoming a Fortune 500 CEO.
He advised his daughters to simply dismiss anyone whose opinions they disagree with by calling them an idiot and moving on.
Editor's P/S:
The Kelce brothers' reactions to Harrison Butker's graduation speech highlight the ongoing debate over traditional gender roles and family values. Jason Kelce's balanced perspective encourages respect for diverse beliefs while emphasizing the importance of family and parental involvement. His humorous remark about sending his wife back to the kitchen reflects a lighthearted attempt to defuse the tension, while his serious comments underscore his commitment to challenging outdated societal norms.
Butker's speech, delivered at a Catholic university, sparked controversy due to its conservative views on LGBTQIA+ rights and women's roles. The NFL's public disapproval of his remarks demonstrates the growing pressure on public figures to align with progressive values. However, the Kelces' willingness to engage with Butker's ideas, even if they disagree with them, shows the importance of respectful dialogue and the recognition that different perspectives can coexist within a pluralistic society.