Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's speech at a Catholic liberal arts school has caused a stir, leading to a spike in demand for his jersey.
Harrison Butker's recent commencement address at Benedictine College has generated strong reactions and surprising consequences. Amidst the controversy surrounding his remarks, demand for the Chiefs kicker's jersey has soared.
As of Thursday, Butker's jersey ranks among the most sought-after fan gear on NFL.com. Alongside Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' jersey, it joins the ranks of the league's best-selling apparel.
Butker's speech addressed a wide range of topics, including his views on COVID-19 policies, abortion, and cultural values. He criticized certain policies and expressed support for conservative Catholic beliefs.
The NFL has since distanced itself from Butker's remarks, stating that he spoke in a "personal capacity." However, the controversy has not dampened fans' enthusiasm for his jersey.
Butker has been vocal about his Catholic faith in the past. He also delivered a similar message at his alma mater, Georgia Tech, last year.
In his Benedictine address, Butker encouraged women to embrace "the most important titles of all" as wives and mothers. He praised his wife for her role as a homemaker, highlighting the power of embracing one's traditional gender roles.
While the Chiefs have not publicly commented on Butker's speech, his conservative views have resonated with a segment of fans. The spike in jersey sales suggests that his message has struck a chord with many supporters.
Butker, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs, has been a reliable kicker throughout his career. His 89.1 career field goal percentage has earned him a reputation as one of the league's most accurate kickers.
His outspoken nature and unwavering faith have made him a polarizing figure. However, the strong demand for his jersey indicates that his controversial speech has not diminished his popularity among certain fans.
The Chiefs, who selected Butker in the 2017 NFL Draft, will rely on his kicking prowess once again in the upcoming season. The surge in jersey sales serves as an unlikely testament to the impact of his recent remarks and the enduring passion of football fans.
