NFL's Inclusion Claims Questioned After Shaming Faith-filled Player

A Catholic political advocacy group has challenged the NFL's commitment to inclusion after the league distanced itself from Harrison Butker, a player who delivered a faith-based commencement speech.

The NFL has come under fire for claiming to have a "commitment to inclusion" but distancing itself from a player over his faith-filled commencement speech. CatholicVote, a leading Catholic political advocacy group, sent a scathing letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Kansas City Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, questioning the league's sincerity.

Harrison Butker, a Kansas City Chiefs kicker, sparked controversy with his speech at Benedictine University. Within minutes, he criticized President Joe Biden's pro-abortion stance despite identifying as Catholic, labeling the president "delusional." Butker also addressed other political hot topics, including in vitro fertilization, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The NFL responded with a statement that it was committed to inclusion but that Butker's "views are not those of the NFL as an organization." This noncommittal response prompted CatholicVote to pen a letter questioning the league's true commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The group's letter asked whether the NFL's inclusion efforts extended to "Catholics, pro-life Americans, mothers, and those who hold to traditional moral beliefs." CatholicVote condemned the backlash against Butker, including threats of violence, as "the worst kind of anti-Catholic bigotry."

CatholicVote praised Butker's speech as "courageous" for encouraging Catholics to uphold their faith. The group stressed that millions of Americans, including NFL fans and customers, share Butker's beliefs.

Despite CatholicVote's letter, the NFL has not responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment. The group remains hopeful that the league will not send a message that Catholics are outsiders.

CatholicVote reminded the NFL that "Catholics watch NFL games, too," highlighting the league's need to address the concerns of its diverse fanbase.

The NFL's handling of Butker's speech raises concerns about the erosion of religious freedom in America. CatholicVote warns that the growing hostility towards faith-based views represents a dangerous trend.

The NFL's reaction to Butker's speech has put its commitment to inclusion to the test. CatholicVote demands that the league clarify its stance on the inclusion of Catholics and others who hold traditional moral beliefs.

Despite the backlash, Butker's speech has inspired many Catholics to embrace their faith even more strongly. It serves as a reminder that the power of faith cannot be silenced by those who seek to suppress it.