Mahomes and Reid on Butker's Speech: Freedom of Speech Reigns Supreme

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid have spoken out for the first time about Harrison Butker's faith-based commencement speech, which sparked controversy and debate.

Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, the quarterback and head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, have broken their silence on Harrison Butker's controversial commencement speech, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech.

"What makes the locker room so cool is you're able to have those discussions and become better and make those decisions for yourself," Mahomes, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, told reporters. "Even though there's vast differences as far as those speeches happening at the same time, you get to talk to guys and get knowledge and you make your own decisions at the end of the day."

Reid echoed Mahomes' sentiments, stating, "Everybody's got their own opinion, and that's what's so great about this country. You can share those things and you can work through it. That's what guys do."

Mahomes prefaced his comments by praising Butker as a man of character whom he has come to know over the past seven seasons. However, he admitted that he did not agree with all of Butker's statements.

"I judge him by the character he shows every single day -- that's a good person," Mahomes said. "That's someone who cares about the people around him, cares about his family. He wants to make a good impact in society."

Mahomes continued, "There's certain things he said that I don't necessarily agree with, but I understand the person that he is and he's trying to do whatever he can to lead people in the right direction. It may not be the same values that I have, but at the same time, I'm going to judge him by the character he shows every single day and that's a great person."

Reid acknowledged that he had not spoken to Butker about the speech and added that the Chiefs did not feel the need to do so. The organization never released a statement regarding the attacks Butker received when the speech went viral, but the NFL did issue a statement reaffirming its commitment to inclusion.

Butker's remarks, particularly those directed at female graduates of Benedictine College where he urged them to embrace their "vocation" as a "homemaker," drew widespread criticism. However, he also received support from many who defended his right to express his Christian beliefs.

Mahomes and Reid's comments highlight the Chiefs' locker room atmosphere where opinions are shared and discussions are encouraged.

"We're a microcosm of life here – different areas, different religions, different races," Reid said. "We all get along, we all respect each other's opinions. And not necessarily do we go by those, but we respect everybody to have a voice. It's the great thing about America, man. …My wish is everybody can kinda follow that."

Mahomes added, "We'll continue to move along and help build each other up to make ourselves better every single day. At the end of the day, we're going to come together as a team, and I think that will help eliminate those distractions outside the building."

The Chiefs' response to Butker's speech demonstrates their belief in open dialogue and tolerance for differing viewpoints. They continue to emphasize the importance of building a team culture based on mutual respect and understanding.