AceShowbiz - In a turbulent period for the NFL, Harrison Butker's commencement speech at Benedictine College ignited a firestorm of reactions. During his speech, Butker criticized Pride Month as a "deadly sin" and emphasized traditional gender roles, stating that "one of the most important titles" for women was being a "homemaker."

These comments have led to nationwide outrage and discussions about the values promoted by public figures associated with major institutions like the NFL. Despite disagreeing on his conservative views, Butker's NFL team Kansas City Chiefs, his coach, and fellow players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce stopped short of condemning Butker and chose to respect him.

Among those having strong opinions against Butker was former NFL player Colton Underwood who has been openly gay. He was not surprised by some of the responses within NFL community to Butker's controversial speech. During an interview with Us Weekly, Underwood stated that the league's global reach and business-oriented nature influenced its decision.

"It is not surprising to me," he said without mentioning which response he referred to. "Look, I've been a part of it. At the end of the day, they're making a business decision. I think that is what needs to be said. The NFL, as much as it is a sport, it's an entertainment business."

Underwood previously called the need for accountability within the league, "This is when the NFL and their players should speak up. Hold your teammates and players accountable, teach them to be better."

"To take a shot saying, 'The deadly sins of pride,' knowing that there's at least one LGBTQ+ student - at least one out there - in that audience is just crippling to that human. To hear that their life is a deadly sin on a day that is supposed to be exciting?" he wrote on Instagram Story.

Ultimately, the debate surrounding Butker's speech and the reactions it provoked highlight the broader challenges the NFL faces as it balances its global reach and the diverse views within its ranks. It serves as a reminder that public figures have a role in shaping societal values and must tread carefully, considering the broader impact of their words.