Jason Kelce, the former NFL star, recently took to social media to defend his wife, Kylie McDevitt Kelce, against online trolls who criticized her following a controversial commencement speech by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker

During his commencement address at Benedictine College, Butker denounced birth control and IVF, and suggested that women have been misled about their roles in society, drawing significant backlash.

In the aftermath, Jason Kelce expressed his disapproval of Butker’s speech on his “New Heights” podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Travis Kelce. However, Jason’s remarks prompted a flood of comments on social media, with one user criticizing him for not supporting Butker and calling his wife a “homemaker.”

Responding to this, because I have seen a number of people say it. I don’t think of Kylie as a homemaker, I think of her as my wife. I think of her as a mother. She has an occupation, as do I, and we keep our house the best we can. Our marriage is a partnership, we are equals. The user went on to accuse Jason of hypocrisy and claimed that their home was “dirty and messy” on television.

Jason Kelce responded directly to the troll on May 27, stating, “I don’t think of Kylie as a homemaker. I think of her as my wife. I think of her as a mother. She has an occupation, as do I, and we keep our house the best we can. Our marriage is a partnership, we are equals who are figuring it out on the daily. The only expectation is that we love each other, support one another, and are committed to our family, that comes first.”

He further defended Kylie against claims that their home’s untidiness was solely her responsibility. “We both raise our kids, we both work, we both keep our home,”Jason wrote. “It is both our faults it is messy, but such is life with 3 young children, busy schedules, and neither of us being neat freaks.” Jason clarified that while there is nothing wrong with choosing to be a homemaker, that role does not define their family dynamic.

“If being a homemaker works for some, and that’s what they want, then hell yea, that’s awesome, more power to you,” he stated. “I want to be clear, I’m not downplaying that at all, but that is not our family dynamic.” Jason and Kylie Kelce, who have been married for six years and share three daughters, are committed to a partnership approach in their marriage. Kylie, aside from her roles as wife and mother, is also a high school field hockey coach and actively raises funds for nonprofits like (Be)Philly and the Eagles Autism Foundation.

Jason’s defense of his wife underscores his commitment to their partnership and equality in their relationship. As for the controversy surrounding Butker’s speech, Jason maintains his stance against the views expressed, emphasizing that his daughters should not be constrained by traditional gender roles.

Jason concluded his response by highlighting the absurdity of adhering to outdated stereotypes, while simultaneously making light of the situation with a joke about Kylie’s sandwich-making skills, a light-hearted reminder of their strong and equal partnership. NFL fans and the public have shown support for Jason’s stance, appreciating his clear and respectful defense of his wife and their shared values.