Published on May 28, 2024, 2:20 am

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker gripped nationwide attention earlier this month, pushed into the spotlight due to a media that ostensibly disapproves of traditional values. This is according to Michele Tafoya, an award-winning ex-NFL sideline reporter.

Tafoya, who boasts three decades of sports media experience, swapped her illustrious NFL sidelines reporter position at NBC Sports in 2022 for the opportunity to express her views on issues close to her heart more freely. Her voice will be heard this week as she graces The Daily Wire’s news podcast named “Morning Wire” with a guest appearance.

According to Tafoya, the public’s reaction towards Butker springs from a disdain for traditional religious morals. She expressed concern over society’s readiness to cancel individuals expressing such beliefs and values.

Butker is identifiable in his Catholic faith and stirred controversy during his address at Benedictine College in Kansas’s commencement event. He spotlighted the importance of Catholic teachings and values often seen as contentious such as opposition to homosexuality and transgenderism. Furthermore, he underscored the significance of motherhood.

During his speech directed at women graduates, he spoke about societal pressures surrounding successful careers and external gains. His message suggested that the most fulfilling roles for them might lie in marriage and bearing children.

The prosperity deriving from following one’s vocation was clarified by him using his wife Isabelle as an example; attesting that her life truly flourished when she embraced her calling as a wife and mother.

Media response towards Butker’s May 11 speech has remained intense weeks later. According to Tafoya, it points out how certain sections are keen on using popular figures like Butker, owing to his platform as a Super Bowl-winning NFL player, to assault traditional principles.

In her opinion had lesser-known catholic personalities delivered such a message it wouldn’t have gained similar traction but being a Super Bowl-winning kicker from an incredibly popular team meant this story would be more susceptible to criticism.

She further drew attention to the nationwide division spotlighted by the reaction to Butker’s speech. Many Americans habitually get entangled in the most current uproar, such as Butker, a devout Catholic discussing Catholic values during a commencement address at a Catholic college.

Despite such cultural tensions, Tafoya notes that there is room for optimism, acknowledging a shift in societal norms where people are becoming more comfortable standing up for their beliefs and consequently changing the tone of national conversation.