Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made headlines earlier this year not just for his performance on the field but also for the surge in his merchandise sales, which surprisingly outpaced those of his teammate, star tight end Travis Kelce. Despite the controversy surrounding Butker’s comments during a commencement speech, his NFL gear sold at record rates.
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) recently released its rankings of the top 50 players with the highest sales of official NFL-licensed merchandise between March 1 and May 31. Butker, 29, made his debut on the list at an impressive No. 11, surpassing Kelce, who ranked just behind him at No. 12. Butker’s achievement is particularly notable as he became only the second kicker ever to break into these rankings, following Evan McPherson in 2022.
While Butker’s on-field performance as one of the NFL’s top kickers undoubtedly contributed to his rising popularity, the surge in merchandise sales coincided with a period of controversy. In May, Butker delivered a commencement speech at Benedictine College that drew significant criticism. His 20-minute address included remarks that were viewed as attacks on working women, the LGBTQ+ community, and families who use surrogacy or in vitro fertilization (IVF). The comments ignited a heated debate and led to backlash both locally and nationally.
Top 20 Players by Officially Licensed Product Sales:
- C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
- Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
- Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
- Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
- Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
- Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
- Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
- Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys
- Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
- Harrison Butker, K, Kansas City Chiefs
- Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
- Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets
- Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers
- Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
- Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
- Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, New York Jets
- Russell Wilson, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions
- Maxx Crosby, DE, Las Vegas Raiders
In response to the outcry, the NFL was quick to distance itself from Butker’s remarks. NFL Chief Diversity Officer Jonathan Beane issued a statement clarifying the league’s position: “Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”
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Criticism of Butker’s speech wasn’t limited to the NFL’s higher-ups. Justice Horn, a former Kansas City commissioner and outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, also took to social media to express his disapproval. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Horn wrote, “Harrison Butker doesn’t represent Kansas City nor has he ever. Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members.”
Despite the controversy, Butker’s teammates, including Kelce and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, offered more measured responses. Kelce acknowledged that while he disagreed with much of what Butker said, he wouldn’t let it affect their professional relationship. “I can’t say I agree with the majority of it or just about any of it outside of just him loving his family and his kids,” Kelce said. “I don’t think that I should judge him by his views, especially his religious views, of how to go about life. That’s just not who I am.”
Mahomes also spoke about Butker’s character, stating that while he disagreed with some of his teammate’s views, he judged him based on how he acts day to day. “He said certain things I don’t agree with,” Mahomes remarked, “but I judge him by the character he shows every day, and that’s a good person.”
Butker’s ascent in merchandise sales also comes amid significant developments in his career. On August 5, he agreed to a four-year, $25.6 million contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs, making him the NFL’s highest-paid kicker. The deal includes $17.8 million in guaranteed money, cementing his status as one of the league’s top special teams players.
Butker’s rapid rise in both popularity and pay showcases the complexities of his public image. While his comments sparked controversy, his talents on the field and his standing as a key player for the Chiefs have kept him in the spotlight.
Whether his merchandise sales continue to soar or cool off remains to be seen, but for now, Butker stands as one of the more polarizing and talked-about figures in the NFL.
