Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made headlines after delivering the 2024 commencement address at Benedictine College, a small Catholic school in Atchison, Kan.
Within Butker's commencement speech were controversial comments about LGBTQ+ Pride month, diversity, equity and inclusion, and some pointed words regarding the career options facing the women graduating from Benedictine.
"I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you," Butker said.
"Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world."
In response to the address, NFL SVP and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Jonathan Beane has issued a statement saying that "[Butker's] views are not those of the NFL as an organization." Hours later, Tavia Hunt, wife of Chiefs co-owner Clark Hunt, took to Instagram to share a post that seemingly supports — and attempts to clarify — some of Butker's stances on womanhood.
MORE: Why Harrison Butker's commencement speech is sparking controversy
Who is Tavia Hunt?
Tavia Shackles Hunt is a former Miss Missouri Teen USA, Miss Kansas USA and the wife of Chiefs co-owner Clark Hunt. The Hunts have three children: Gracie, Knobel, and Ava.
The two met when Tavia interned with the Chiefs PR department in 1991, and they married in 1993. She was born in 1971.
DECOURCY: NFL must respond more assertively to Harrison Butker's offensive speech
Tavia Hunt Instagram post
"I’ve always encouraged my daughters to be highly educated and chase their dreams. I want them to know that they can do whatever they want (that honors God). But I also want them to know that I believe finding a spouse who loves and honors you as or before himself and raising a family together is one of the greatest blessings this world has to offer. Studies show that committed, married couples with children are the happiest demographic, and this has been my experience as well.
"Affirming motherhood and praising your wife, as well as highlighting the sacrifice and dedication it takes to be a mother, is not bigoted. It is empowering to acknowledge that a woman’s hard work in raising children is not in vain. Countless highly educated women devote their lives to nurturing and guiding their children. Someone disagreeing with you doesn’t make them hateful; it simply means they have a different opinion. Let’s celebrate families, motherhood and fatherhood. Our society desperately needs dedicated men and women to raise up and train the next generation in the way they should go. Proverbs 31:28 says, 'Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.' Embracing the beautiful roles that God has made is something to celebrate.
"I also caution against taking things (or parts of speeches) out of context. Sound bites overlaid with hateful comments are not what we want to model for our children or others. We need more dialogue (and VALUES, IMO) in this country and less hate."
In addition to the caption, Hunt tagged the post with the location of "Stay-At-Home Moms" and used several hashtags, including #Serve, #LoveOthers, #FocusOnTheFamily and #CelebrateTheGood.
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