Patrick Mahomes might be the best player on the Kansas City Chiefs, but he’s no longer the leader in jersey sales. That unexpected honor goes to kicker Harrison Butker. While it wouldn’t have been surprising if Travis Kelce, with his rising fame and relationship with Taylor Swift, had overtaken Mahomes, Butker’s position at the top is quite a surprise.
Butker’s recent surge in popularity is linked to a controversial speech he gave at a college graduation. In his address, he made remarks about women that many found misogynistic, suggesting that while some women might have successful careers, most would find greater fulfillment in marriage and motherhood. This sparked widespread criticism, prompting the NFL, the Chiefs, and the Kansas City community to distance themselves from him.
The NFL clarified that Butker’s views do not reflect those of the organization and reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion. Despite the controversy and calls for his removal from the team, the publicity has ironically boosted Butker’s jersey sales.