In a World Full of Harrison Butkers, Be a Kylie! Jason Kelce’s Wife Gives a Down to Earth Speech at Cabrini University

Jason Kelce isn’t the only one in the family who can deliver a winning speech! Kylie delivered the commencement address at Cabrini’s final graduation ceremony, as the school prepares to close its doors after 67 years. The 2017 alumna returned to her Radnor, Pennsylvania, alma mater before its property was sold to Villanova University at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

Making speeches at universities is something the NFL and its glitzy world are sidestepping these days. Thanks to Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker catching immense flak for his speech at the Benedictine College. But Kylie stepped up and took center stage at Cabrini University to deliver a memorable address.

Kylie Kelce empowers grads to embrace authenticity

The Kelce Brothers took to the social media platform ‘X’, showing Kylie Kelce crushing her commencement address with the caption, “Kylie Kelce was asked to give the commencement address at her alma mater, Cabrini University’s, last-ever graduation today.” Kylie kicked off her address to the 3,200-strong class of 2024, jesting Cabrini, saying they “couldn’t even get a top-five Kelce” to give the commencement speech. Referencing Jason and Travis Kelce. She also recounted the heart-rendering speech Jason Kelce gave when he retired from the Philadelphia Eagles.

Apart from some jabs at herself and Jason Kelce. Kylie tackled the graduates’ dreaded “What’s next?” question, offering both reassurance and a reality check. Candidly stating, “‘I don’t know’ can be an honest and sufficient answer.” Kylie, praising her famous family, added, “I am well aware that my current position in life is due to the wonderful people around me, but I’ll be damned if I don’t stay true to myself in everything I do and ensure that I am always authentically me. So find the things that speak to you. Your enthusiasm can be channeled to create change, and you are wonderful the way you are.”

Sharing insights about finding herself in the same position as her parents, she reflected on her journey to motherhood. And her message, “You are wonderful the way you are,” added cherry on the top. Oh, and did I mention Kylie Kelce steered clear of any awkward Taylor Swift references or unsolicited life advice?

One can’t help but compare Kylie Kelce’s commencement address to Harrison Butker’s contentious speech at Benedictine University.

How graduation speeches went viral for different reasons

While Kylie’s speech at Cabrini University encouraged graduates to find their footing and make their own decisions, it was a far cry from the recent fumble that was Butker’s address. He urged women to embrace their “true vocation as a homemaker” and went on to denounce abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia, Jews, Pride Month, President Joe Biden, and pro-choice Catholics. He told the graduates, “I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you,” doubling down on his staunch Catholic views.

There was a multitude of reactions to Butker’s speech. From the NFL distancing itself from the kicker’s views, the Chiefs’ team remaining tight-lipped about the situation, to Butker’s comments receiving support from Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt’s wife and daughter, Tavia and Gracie Hunt, and everything in between. Yet, there was widespread disapproval among fans and followers alike. People bringing up the fact that Butker’s mother Elizabeth Butker is a medical physicist at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute.

Butker’s more prescriptive and controversial stance stood in sharp contrast to Kylie Kelce’s speech, even as he oddly referenced Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. While Kylie Kelce’s address wasn’t sugar-coated, it made one feel like you are not alone in the “what’s next?” fog. Big difference from being told what one’s “vocation” should be.

Empowerment vs. prescription: A tale of two graduation speeches

Kylie Kelce and Butker’s respective speeches couldn’t get more contrasting. While Kylie Kelce acknowledged the uncertainty of the future and focused on what truly matters: these graduates’ futures. She reassured and encouraged the graduates to embrace their individuality and find their passions. Her sense of humor and sheer honesty provided much-needed familial comfort to the students.

On the other hand, Butker, with his traditional views on gender roles and criticism of social and political issues, had listeners divided. It felt like whiplash attending graduation speeches just a week apart.

Kylie Kelce at Cabrini? Pure gold. Real talk about the confusion we all feel after college, mixed with a nudge to chase what excites you. Plus, jokes about being a regular person, not a “top-five Kelce.” Hilarious. Meanwhile, Butker at Benedictine was definitely a different perspective on entering adulthood. Whether it resonated or not depended on the listener, I suppose.

One thing’s for sure, both speeches got people talking–and that’s something, at least.