However, kicker Harrison Butker, known for his more conservative stance, seemed to side with the team’s leadership. “Football is football. I think people are tired of having everything politicized. Let’s just stick to what we do best: playing the game.”

Of course, no modern controversy is complete without the virtual battleground of social media weighing in. Twitter exploded with hashtags like #WokeFreeChiefs and #CancelTheChiefs, as users took sides in the debate. Some fans argued that the Chiefs were simply maintaining focus on the game, while others accused the team of alienating a significant portion of their fanbase.

One Twitter user, @ProudFan88, wrote, “Finally a team that’s not afraid to say NO to the woke mob. Football is about FOOTBΑLL, not pushing political agendas. Chiefs forever!”

Meanwhile, another user, @EqualityFanKC, expressed their disappointment: “Wow, way to make your LGBTQ+ fans feel completely excluded. Football is supposed to bring people together, not drive them apart. I expected better from the Chiefs.”

The NFL, notorious for staying tight-lipped on such polarizing matters, has yet to issue an official statement. However, other teams were quick to respond in their own way. The San Francisco 49ers, who host one of the most elaborate Pride Night events in the league, tweeted a rainbow emoji along with the words, “Everyone is welcome here.”