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Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is no stranger to expressing his Christian faith, both on and off the field.
But his latest comments about NFL celebrations may stir controversy within his own locker room, particularly with star tight end Travis Kelce.
Speaking on The LOOPcast, Butker voiced concerns about the nature of modern NFL celebrations, suggesting they may contradict the values of humility embraced in Christianity.
While the 28-year-old didn't call out any individual by name, his message struck a tone that may indirectly clash with Kelce's high-energy, exuberant style.
"I think through the successes or the failures, you have to have humility, and I always try to think. If our Lord was playing in the NFL or really any sport, would he be someone that is scoring a touchdown and then celebrating and dancing you know, and making it all about him?" Butker said during the podcast appearance.
A devout Catholic and one of the league's most consistent kickers - with an 89.1% career field goal percentage - Butker has long opted for modesty in victory.
Even in high-pressure moments like Super Bowl LVIII, when his three successful field goals kept the Chiefs alive, he avoided elaborate reactions. Instead, Butker typically points to the sky in a quiet gesture of gratitude to God.
Kelce celebrations and Butker's silent approach
In contrast, Kelce has made his emotional celebrations part of his brand. After scoring his 77th career touchdown last season, which broke Tony Gonzalez's franchise record, Kelce paid tribute to the Hall of Famer by mimicking his iconic goalpost dunk. The celebration earned Kelce a $14,000 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct.
"We all know how iconic it was when he dunked the ball over the goalposts all the time. I gave it my best effort. I'm not sure I did it quite like him," Kelce said after the game.
While it's unclear if Butker intended his remarks as a critique of specific teammates, the contrast is clear. Where Kelce celebrates with flair and emotion, Butker promotes a more subdued, faith-driven expression of success.
In the same interview, Butker elaborated on how he copes with the pressure of being a clutch kicker: "Whenever I feel super nervous or anxious, that's definitely when I turn to God more than any other time."
Since ing the Chiefs in 2017, Butker has played in five Super Bowls, winning three, and has been a key part of the team's postseason success. Yet, despite his reliability under pressure, he continues to deflect praise and redirect focus toward faith and humility.
"I hope in the NFL and across the other sports leagues adopt this level of humility in the successes or the failures, and realize that the gifts that they are using and that people are cheering for are gifts from God," he said.
Whether his comments will cause friction among teammates remains to be seen. But in a locker room filled with strong personalities and expressive celebrations, Butker's deeply held beliefs add another layer to the dynamic culture that has defined Kansas City's recent dominance.