Harrison Butker See’s Jersey Sales Increase
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's jersey sales have skyrocketed in the wake of a backlash against his commencement speech at Benedictine College. Butker's #7 jersey has now become one of the top-selling jerseys on the Fanatics NFL shop site, surpassing even the sales of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. This surge in jersey sales comes amidst calls for Butker to be "canceled" and even fired following his controversial remarks.
During his graduation speech, Butker made comments that some have labeled as "misogynistic," "discriminatory," and even "hateful." He stated that his wife's life truly started when she embraced her role as a wife and mother, and he encouraged graduates to prioritize their future marriages and children over career success. These statements drew swift and fierce criticism from the online community.
However, amidst the outcry against Butker's speech, there has also been a strong show of support. Many have praised Butker for boldly proclaiming his Catholic faith and speaking out against issues such as abortion, DEI initiatives, and LGBTQ Pride month. The kicker even referenced President Joe Biden, who has been vocal about his Catholic faith but has also expressed support for abortion.
: #Chiefs K Harrison Butker’s jersey sales have exploded following the speech he gave a few days ago. His jersey is among the most popular. pic.twitter.com/NALDJpvvKV
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) May 16, 2024
Butker's speech has sparked a heated debate about free speech and personal beliefs. Some argue that he has a right to express his religious views, while others believe his comments are offensive and harmful. Butker himself has not responded to the controversy, but he did take to Instagram to share a Bible verse about standing firm in one's faith amidst adversity.
The backlash against Butker's remarks was further amplified by a Change.org petition calling for him to be fired from the Kansas City Chiefs team. The petition has garnered over 151,000 signatures, with many citing Butker's "discriminatory" comments as the reason for their support.
At the same time, there has been a strong show of support for Butker from fans and colleagues. Former NFL player and Super Bowl champion Benjamin Watson tweeted, "Good for Harrison Butker speaking unpopular truth. We need more of it, not less."
Butker has also received support from members of the Catholic community and other faith-based organizations. Many have praised him for using his platform to speak out about important issues and stand up for his beliefs.
The controversy surrounding Butker's speech highlights the ongoing tensions between personal beliefs and societal expectations. In an age of cancel culture and increasing pressure to conform to certain ideologies, Butker's speech has clearly struck a nerve with many. However, the strong sales of his jersey show that there is also a significant segment of the population who appreciate his boldness and are willing to stand by him.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Harrison Butker has sparked an important conversation about the role of personal beliefs in a highly divided society. Whether or not his controversial remarks will have any lasting impact on his career remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – he has made an indelible mark on the world of sports and beyond.