From Super Bowl victories to Taylor Swift appearances, the Kansas City Chiefs are no strangers to the spotlight. However, this offseason, they’ve been grabbing headlines for less favorable reasons. Beyond the Rashee Rice controversy, kicker Harrison Butker recently added to the PR woes with a series of contentious remarks during his commencement speech at Benedictine College.

On a day meant to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2024, Butker’s speech sparked outrage by suggesting that women’s primary focus should be on becoming wives and mothers, rather than pursuing careers. This has resulted in a significant public relations debacle for the Chiefs, much to the relief of teams like the Miami Dolphins, who are pleased to avoid such issues.

When Miami beat reporter Chris Perkins asked about Butker’s comments during the Dolphins’ OTAs, head coach Mike McDaniel was visibly surprised but handled the question adeptly.

“I’m glad you asked,” McDaniel quipped. “You have to help players understand their platform, especially if they’re new to it. They need to realize that their words can be fragmented and have lasting impacts. I stress that whatever they say, they must truly believe. It’s about educating them on the consequences of their actions and statements.”

Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel's reaction when reporters asked him about Harrison Butker 😅

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McDaniel skillfully redirected the focus, using the situation to emphasize his own coaching and leadership principles rather than directly commenting on Butker’s remarks.

Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel warns players following Harrison Butker controversy

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s polarizing commencement remarks have stirred significant debate within the sports community.

While some have demanded the 28-year-old’s dismissal, others, including teammates Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones, have defended Butker’s right to express his beliefs freely. The NFL has clarified that Butker’s views do not represent the league’s stance.

Mahomes speaks on teammate Harrison Butker's widely criticized comments on women, masculinity and diversity at a commencement speech at Benedictine College on May 11 pic.twitter.com/rLQc1Gblau

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Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel addressed the broader implications for all NFL players in the wake of Butker’s comments. He emphasized the importance of players understanding the weight of their words and the lasting impact they can have. McDaniel pointed out that players need to be mindful of their platform and the potential consequences of their statements, stressing the importance of authenticity and responsibility in their public communications.

“I think you do have to open the eyes of the players to their platform if they’re new to the situation,” McDaniel said, via Pro Football Network’s Adam Beasley. “You have to understand that what you say publicly can be fragmented and last with you forever. I really emphasize that whatever you’re going to say, you better believe it. You just try to educate people to understand the consequences of whatever they do. They have the freedom of choice, and if they want to go that direction, go right ahead.”

Butker faced criticism for his commencement speech at Benedictine College on May 11, where he claimed that women have been told “diabolical lies” about finding gratification in obtaining a degree over being a wife and mother.

Commissioner Roger Goodell chose not to elaborate further on the issue beyond the NFL’s initial statement at the league meetings in Nashville. He noted that the NFL comprises over 3,000 players and executives who hold “a diversity of opinions and thoughts” that contribute to making society better.