The owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, Clark Hunt, stated on Wednesday that he has no concerns with kicker Harrison Butker establishing a political action committee aimed at encouraging Christians to vote for what the PAC terms “traditional values.” Butker unveiled his Upright PAC last weekend through a series of social media posts.
“One of the things I discuss with the players every year at training camp is utilizing their platform to make a positive impact,” Hunt said. “We have players across the political spectrum, on both sides of any controversial issue you might raise. I’m not at all worried when our players use their platform to make a difference.”
Butker is prominently featured on the Upright PAC’s website alongside Missouri Republican senator Josh Hawley, whom the kicker endorsed before the general election against Democrat Lucas Kunce. The PAC’s website states, “We’re witnessing our values being attacked daily. In our schools, in the media, and even from our own government. But we have an opportunity to fight back and reclaim the traditional values that have made this country great.”
Butker’s first deliberate venture into politics occurred in May when he delivered a polarizing commencement speech at Benedictine College, a private Catholic liberal arts school in Atchison, Kansas. The three-time Super Bowl champion remarked that most of the women receiving degrees were likely more excited about marriage and having children than pursuing careers. He also criticized some Catholic leaders for “promoting dangerous gender ideologies among America’s youth.”
Butker also denounced Pride month and Joe Biden’s stance on abortion. The NFL distanced itself from Butker’s remarks, issuing a statement clarifying that “his views do not represent those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL remains committed to inclusion, which strengthens our league.”
At training camp before the season, Butker expressed satisfaction with voicing his opinions. “I’ve decided that there are things I wholeheartedly believe will make the world a better place, and I’m going to advocate for them,” Butker said. “If people disagree, they disagree, but I’ll continue to speak what I believe to be true and love everyone in the process.”
The Hunt family has backed a group urging Missouri voters to reject a ballot measure that would overturn a near-total ban on abortion in the state. The Chiefs have declined to comment on the $300,000 donation other than confirming to the Kansas City Star that the money was wired by Clark Hunt’s half-brother, Lamar Hunt Jr, through his account with Unity Hunt.
Meanwhile, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes stated last month that he would not endorse Donald Trump or Kamala Harris in the November election, despite former president Trump repeatedly referring to Mahomes’ wife, Brittany, as a supporter of his campaign. “I don’t want my platform to be used to endorse a candidate,” Mahomes said. “My role is to encourage people to register to vote, do their own research, and make the best decision for themselves and their families.”
These comments came less than a day after Taylor Swift, who is dating the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce and has become friends with the Mahomes family, endorsed Harris for the presidency. This led Trump to tell Fox News, “I actually prefer Mrs. Mahomes, if you want to know the truth. She’s a big Trump fan. I like Brittany. I think Brittany is great.”
Patrick Mahomes was asked about Trump’s references to his wife and responded, “Ultimately, it’s about me and my family and how we treat others.” He added, “You see Brittany and I doing a lot in the community to uplift people and provide opportunities to use their voice. In political times, people will use various tactics, but I can’t let that influence how I conduct my life and strive to live it to the best of my ability.”
