Harrison Butker’s name has found itself in the headlines recently, but not just for his game-winning kicks. The Kansas City Chiefs‘ kicker made waves when his official NFL merchandise outsold that of his star teammate, Travis Kelce, despite the stir caused by his controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College earlier this year.
A report released by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) last Friday listed Butker as 11th among the top 50 players with the highest sales of official NFL merchandise between March and May, putting him just ahead of Kelce. While most would assume the Super Bowl-winning tight end would dominate in sales, Butker’s rising popularity paints a different picture.
What’s perhaps most surprising is the timing. Butker’s jump in sales came shortly after his May 11th speech, where he stirred controversy with remarks that seemed to challenge modern norms. In the days following his address, Butker’s jerseys flew off the shelves-particularly among women, with certain sizes even selling out online. It’s clear that while some may have taken issue with his views, a significant portion of NFL fans showed their support in a tangible way.
In contrast, Kelce, who remains a media darling and enjoys sponsorship deals with big names like Pfizer, is often in the limelight for his public persona. His highly publicized relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift only adds to his mainstream appeal. Yet, when it comes to merchandise sales, Butker has somehow managed to edge him out, at least for now.
The two Chiefs players couldn’t be more different. Butker has never shied away from expressing his devout Catholic faith and more traditional values, which is likely a factor in the divisive reactions to his speech. During the address, he praised his wife’s role as a homemaker, calling it “one of the most important titles of all.” These remarks, unsurprisingly, didn’t sit well with everyone, and some media outlets even called for the Chiefs to cut ties with him over his comments.
Kelce has become a full-on celebrity
However, Kelce, with his pop culture connections and laid-back image, seems to have little trouble winning over the mainstream. His every move is celebrated, and his relationship with Swift only fuels his popularity. But despite all the attention surrounding the tight end, it’s Butker who made the bigger splash in the world of NFL merch this season.
The difference in how these two players are perceived by the media versus the general public is striking. While the press tends to criticize Butker for his outspoken beliefs, his merchandise sales suggest a growing fanbase that admires his stance on traditional values. This apparent disconnect between the media narrative and public opinion is becoming increasingly evident, especially when it comes to athletes like Butker.
But here’s where things take an even more unexpected turn. As the Chiefs push for a three-peat, it’s Butker, not Kelce, who has been crucial to their success so far this season. Through the first three weeks, Kelce has struggled to make an impact on the field. With just eight receptions and 69 yards to his name, and no trips to the end zone, he has been largely absent from the team’s highlight reel. In contrast, Butker continues to deliver in the clutch, most notably with a 55-yard game-winner in Week 2.
So, as the season progresses and the controversy surrounding his speech fades, Butker might just be proving that his value to the Chiefs-both on and off the field-shouldn’t be underestimated. While Kelce enjoys the spotlight, it’s Butker who has quietly become one of the team’s most reliable assets, both in the NFL and among its fans.
