Key Takeaways:
– Kylie Kelce, sister-in-law of Kansas City Chiefs’ star Travis Kelce, delivered a heartfelt commencement address at Cabrini University.
– Her message encouraged graduates to embrace their uniqueness and not fear the unknown future.
– Benchmarking her speech against a controversial address by Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, social media users hailed her non-divisive approach.
– Kelce further connected with her audience by using humor about her own life as a mother of three.
In a captivating and inspiring address, Kylie Kelce, Travis Kelce’s sister-in-law, broadened the horizon of the final graduating class at Cabrini University on May 19. Among her key messages, she emphasized embracing individuality, understanding life’s uncertainties, and staying true to oneself.
Drawing a Comparison to Harrison Butker’s Speech
Kelce’s captivating speech at the Pennsylvania private Catholic university attracted attention because of its contrast to a similar address given by her husband’s teammate, Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker. Presented at Benedictine College on May 11, Butker’s divisive message strayed into speculating about female graduates’ future roles as wives and mothers.
Kelce, a Cabrini University alumna from the class of 2017, contrasted that narrative by not prescribing a specific pathway for her audience. Giving attention to their foremost concern, she responded to the question “What’s next?” with a profound reflection that it is okay not to have all the answers.
“The truth is that no one has their lives completely figured out”, Kelce asserted, “And if someone tells you otherwise, they’re lying.”
Catering to Social Media Sentiment
Social media users enthusiastically engaged with Kelce’s speech. Her address was seen as a refreshing deviation from Harrison Butker’s controversial commentary that had led to polarization. A fan shared their appreciation for the “kind, intelligent, hard-working Mrs. Kelce” and suggested her approach could serve as a guideline for future commencement speakers.
Glimpses Into Personal Life
In an intriguing deviation from the norm, Kylie knowingly ladled her speech with humor about her uncertain ventures into parenthood. Kelce, who is married to former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, Travis Kelce’s older brother, joked about not being a “Top Five Kelce” and “winging it” as a mom of three children, Wyatt, Elliotte, and Bennett.
“Every day, we are winging it. Just trying not to mess our kids up — come to find out that’s what our parents did, too.” Kylie elicited laughter with this friendly jab at her own perfect imperfections as a parent.
Contrast to Butker’s Views on Women
Kelce’s relatability starkly contrasted with Harrison Butker’s views on the role of women. The Chiefs kicker received a mixed response when he encouraged women to see homemaking as their primary vocation in his graduate address at Benedictine College.
While Butker’s remarks found support from some segments of the student body, the NFL distanced itself from his views, with Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, stating that the organization stood firm in its commitment to inclusion.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Kylie Kelce’s graduation speech at Cabrini University was celebrated for its honesty, humor, and emphasis on individuality. Measured against the controversy following Harrison Butker’s talk, Kelce’s address stood out as a beacon of inspiration for the fresh graduates.