Butker Seeing High Apparel Sales

By
Rachel Stevenson
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Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has made waves both on and off the field, but not all for reasons fans might expect.

For the first time in NFL history, Butker’s official gear sales have topped his fellow superstar teammates, beating out even the fan-favorite Travis Kelce. According to the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), Butker ranked 11th in sales of NFL-licensed merchandise between March 1 and May 31, surpassing Kelce, who came in 12th. Yet, the kicker’s recent rise in popularity isn’t just due to his impressive game-winning kicks; it coincides with a more contentious moment in his career—a commencement speech he delivered that sent the woke crowd into a tizzy.

Butker’s speech, given at Benedictine College in Kansas, had all the usual elements of a graduation address but with one important difference: he dared to talk about values. In front of an audience at the Catholic university, Butker praised his wife for embracing the role of “homemaker,” criticized President Joe Biden’s abortion policies, and took a swipe at the LGBTQ agenda, particularly Pride Month.

Butker’s words—coming from a two-time Super Bowl champion—immediately sent left-wing media outlets and social justice warriors into overdrive. In an era where athletes are expected to toe the line of political correctness, Butker’s unapologetic stance on traditional values caught the attention of many Americans who feel their voices are increasingly drowned out by the noise of progressive politics. Leftist commentators labeled his remarks as “discriminatory,” even going so far as to launch a petition on Change.org demanding Butker’s removal from the team.

However, many fans seem to have embraced Butker’s courage. It’s no coincidence that his NFL gear sales spiked following the speech. In fact, despite the backlash, Butker’s jersey and official merchandise sales bested Kelce’s—a remarkable feat considering Kelce’s massive popularity and media presence, bolstered even more by his relationship with pop star Taylor Swift. Even Chiefs’ star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, whose merchandise ranked second on the list (just behind Houston Texans rookie C.J. Stroud), couldn’t top the public’s newfound interest in Butker.

Amid the media frenzy, Butker found support where it counts. Chiefs’ teammates, including Travis Kelce, stood by him. Kelce praised Butker’s character, saying, “I cherish him as a teammate,” adding that Butker has treated friends and family “with nothing but respect and kindness.” It’s a stark contrast to the vitriol heaped on the kicker by his detractors, showing that in the locker room—where real bonds are formed—Butker remains respected.

In a league increasingly dominated by woke narratives and virtue signaling, Butker represents a different breed of athlete. He’s a throwback to a time when sports figures were admired for their character as much as their performance. The fact that his gear sales have climbed amid controversy speaks volumes about a large segment of the American fan base that is tired of being force-fed leftist dogma. For every Change.org petition calling for Butker’s head, there seems to be a silent majority eager to show support for someone willing to stand up for his beliefs.

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