Travis Kelce Supports Harrison Butker as a Teammate Despite Disagreement on Graduation Speech

Travis Kelce Cherishes Harrison Butker As a Teammate Does Not Agree With Graduation Speech

Travis Kelce Michael Owens/Getty Images

Travis Kelce may not always see eye to eye with Harrison Butker, but he still respects him as a fellow member of the Kansas City Chiefs team.

During a recent episode of the "New Heights" podcast hosted by Travis and his brother Jason Kelce, Travis, 34, shared his thoughts on Butker. "I know Harry and I saw him in the building. I call him Harry, I might be the only person who calls him Harry," Travis said. "That just tells you, I mean, I’ve known him for seven-plus, eight-plus years and I cherish him as a teammate."

Travis continued to praise his friend, highlighting how respectful and kind he is towards everyone he meets. He acknowledged that while he may not agree with many of his friend's views, especially those expressed in a recent commencement speech at Benedictine College, he chooses not to judge him based on those beliefs.

Butker, who is 28 years old, delivered a speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, where he discussed topics such as LGBTQIA+ rights, IVF and surrogacy, and the role of women as stay-at-home wives and mothers. These remarks received criticism from some social media users.

Travis reflected on Friday about how he and the Chiefs kicker have different perspectives on the world. He mentioned that growing up in Cleveland Heights exposed him to various social classes, religions, races, and ethnicities, which he found beautiful. Travis appreciated the diversity in his community as it gave him a broad view of different walks of life. He emphasized that he never felt the need to judge others based on their beliefs, and instead, he valued and respected each person for who they were.

Travis Kelce Cherishes Harrison Butker As a Teammate Does Not Agree With Graduation Speech 2

Harrison Butker Ric Tapia/Getty Images

The tight end credits his parents, Donna and Ed Kelce, for shaping his perspective on others. He highlighted how both his mother and father played roles as both "homemakers" and "providers" in their household. Travis expressed gratitude for their constant presence and the way they created a nurturing home environment for him. While acknowledging that not everyone has to follow the same path, he emphasized the significance of his parents' contributions in making him who he is today.

Butker has not publicly addressed the backlash to his speech. He began practicing for the Chiefs’ 2024-2025 season earlier this week. 

Editor's P/S:

Travis Kelce's insightful comments on respecting teammate Harrison Butker, despite their differing viewpoints, highlight the importance of valuing diversity and fostering a respectful environment within a team. Kelce's emphasis on appreciating individuals for who they are, regardless of their beliefs, reflects his upbringing and the positive influence of his parents.

The article also touches upon the recent controversy surrounding Butker's commencement speech, which sparked discussions about LGBTQIA+ rights, gender roles, and personal beliefs. While Butker has not addressed the backlash publicly, Kelce's ability to separate his personal views from his respect for his teammate demonstrates the maturity and understanding required to navigate differences within a team setting. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for respectful dialogue and the importance of valuing different perspectives in both personal and professional relationships.