CatholicVote President Brian Burch has urged NFL leaders to clarify their stance on whether Catholics are welcome in the league following their condemnation of a commencement speech by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.

In a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, Burch highlighted Butker’s speech at a Catholic college, where he advocated for the dignity of life, the importance of family, and the value of motherhood—principles that resonate with millions of Americans and religious believers. Burch criticized the NFL’s distancing from Butker’s remarks, questioning the league’s commitment to true diversity and inclusion.

He referenced the NFL’s stated aim to honor human differences and provide opportunities for all, asking if this inclusivity extends to Catholics and those with traditional moral beliefs. Burch called on the NFL to resist calls for Butker’s cancellation and urged Catholics to sign a petition supporting Butker.