3. Harrison Butker's Commencement Speech
This is the least likely storyline to have a meaningful impact, though Harrison Butker will be under scrutiny if he struggles early in the season or in a big moment. He's routinely made clutch kicks and established himself as a legitimate weapon, though the situation is a theoretical distraction nonetheless.
Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid both supported Butker as a player and person while disagreeing with social views, as did Travis Kelce. NFL locker rooms are a diverse place, and lots of players and coaches have contrasting views. As long as Butker keeps making his kicks, I don't see there being much of a problem in the building.
This team has been through too much together and has too many established, excellent leaders to let something like this be an issue. If the pressure gets to Butker and he struggles, that could be an issue, but he made 94.3% of his field goals and all of his extra points last year. I have no reason to believe his performance will fall off a cliff.
Shoutout to one of the best kickers of all-time, Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs.
— Cooper McCoy (@CooperMcCoyRE) May 14, 2024
Here’s a kick of his Super Record 57-yard field goal. I’m sure he’s in 49ers fans nightmares. Along with the rest of the NFL.
- 3× Super Bowl champion (LIV, LVII, LVIII)
- NFL scoring… pic.twitter.com/8nudnuTlAl
His resume speaks for itself. If he keeps making kicks, there won't be any distractions. The Chiefs have had plenty of off-field storylines this year and they'll be tested.
When the games get started though, I'd be stunned if the roster doesn't stay focused on the ultimate prize. Getting an opportunity to win three straight Super Bowls speaks for itself, and they'll want to do everything in their power to accomplish history.
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