KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs’ owner expressed no opposition to kicker Harrison Butker’s establishment of a political action committee aimed at motivating Christians to vote in line with what the PAC defines as “traditional values.”
Butker unveiled his UPRIGHT PAC over the weekend during the Chiefs’ bye week via a series of social media posts.
Clark Hunt, the chairman of the Chiefs, mentioned, “Every year at training camp, I discuss with the players the importance of using their platform for positive change. Our team includes players with a wide range of political beliefs and views on contentious issues, and I fully support them in making an impact with their platforms.”
On the website for the UPRIGHT PAC, Butker appears prominently alongside Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley, who received Butker’s endorsement prior to the general election against Democrat Lucas Kunce. The PAC’s mission is portrayed as a response to what it describes as an ongoing assault on values in educational settings, the media, and governmental practices. It emphasizes the importance of mobilizing Christians to safeguard these principles at the polls.
Butker previously ventured into political discussions in May with a commencement speech at Benedictine College, a Catholic liberal arts institution located in Atchison, Kansas. His speech included statements suggesting that many graduating women were more enthusiastic about marriage and family than their degrees, and he criticized some Catholic officials for promoting what he termed harmful gender ideologies. He also spoke against Pride month and President Joe Biden’s abortion policies.
Following this speech, the NFL distanced itself from Butker’s views, issuing a statement clarifying that his opinions do not represent the NFL as an organization, and reaffirming their commitment to promoting inclusion, which they believe strengthens the league.
In response to inquiries about his controversial address during training camp, Butker remarked, “I have strong beliefs that I think can improve the world. I will advocate for them. If others disagree, that’s their choice. I will continue to express what I believe to be true, all while spreading love.”
The Hunt family has engaged in political action as well, backing a coalition urging Missouri voters to reject a proposed ballot measure that aims to nullify a nearly complete abortion ban in the state, through a donation made by Lamar Hunt Jr. from the family’s management company, Unity Hunt.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes disclosed last month that he would refrain from endorsing either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris during the upcoming November election. This declaration came despite Trump’s assertions about Mahomes’ wife Brittany allegedly endorsing his campaign.
“I prefer not to use my voice to back a candidate,” Mahomes explained. “My goal is to encourage people to register and educate themselves to make the best choices for themselves and their families.”
These remarks followed Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Harris, which prompted Trump to comment favorably on Brittany Mahomes, claiming she was a Trump supporter. In response to Trump’s comments about his wife, Mahomes emphasized that it ultimately comes down to his family and their values.
He noted, “Brittany and I actively work in our community to uplift others and give them a voice. While politics often lead to public discourse, the focus for me remains on living my life to the fullest every day.”