In the months following their Super Bowl victory, the Kansas City Chiefs have faced their share of distractions. Recently, kicker Harrison Butker found himself at the center of controversy due to his polarizing commencement speech at Benedictine College. However, his teammates, including star tight end Travis Kelce, have come forward to defend Butker's character and express their support.

During a recent episode of his "New Heights" podcast, Kelce spoke highly of Butker, highlighting their longstanding friendship and emphasizing that Butker has always treated everyone with respect and kindness. Kelce acknowledged that he may not agree with Butker's views expressed in his commencement speech but stated that he shouldn't be judged solely based on his religious beliefs.

Kelce's sentiments were echoed by his brother, Jason, who shared similar thoughts on the podcast. The Kelce brothers appreciated the reactions of their Chiefs teammates, as well as head coach Andy Reid, who showed understanding towards the diversity of opinions among their players. Both emphasized that while they may not align with Butker's views, they recognize that he gave a speech at a Catholic university, where it was expected to be religious in nature.

Butker's comments garnered attention from the NFL office, prompting Commissioner Roger Goodell to release a statement clarifying that Butker's views are his personal opinions and not reflective of the NFL as an organization. Goodell emphasized the league's commitment to inclusion and diversity of thoughts among its players.

When questioned about Butker's speech, Goodell reiterated that the NFL treasures the diversity of opinions among its 3,000+ players, likening it to the diversity found within American society. Mahomes and Reid, two prominent spokespeople for the Chiefs, also spoke up in defense of Butker during the team's OTA session. Mahomes emphasized that he judges Butker based on the character he displays every day, acknowledging that they may not always agree on certain issues.

Reid further supported Butker, highlighting the diverse makeup of the Chiefs team and their mutual respect for each other's opinions. He stressed that while they may not always adhere to those opinions, they value the freedom of expression and believe it to be a significant aspect of American society.

Regarding concerns raised by women working for the Chiefs who may have been offended by Butker's comments, Reid dismissed the question, stating that such conversations had not occurred and emphasizing his respect for differing opinions.

Butker's commencement speech sparked controversy due to his comments on various contentious topics, including abortion and cultural values. While facing backlash on social media, the kicker's No. 7 jersey briefly became one of the top-selling jerseys in the league.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the Kansas City Chiefs are standing by Harrison Butker, emphasizing his positive character and the importance of respecting each other's viewpoints within their diverse team.