Rich Eisen's Political Joke Goes Viral After Chiefs' Kicker Misses Extra Point

During the Kansas City Chiefs' season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil, kicker Harrison Butker missed a crucial extra point, prompting announcer Rich Eisen to quip, "Harrison Butker, interestingly enough, is wide right," a comment widely interpreted as a political joke referencing Butker's conservative views. Butker, who openly supports President Donald Trump and has expressed right-wing positions, notably gave a controversial commencement speech in 2024 emphasizing traditional family roles and criticizing Pride Month. Eisen's remark received praise for its timing and wit, though it also sparked discussion about the intersection of sports and politics. Butker's missed kick was costly in the tight game, which the Chargers won 27-21, even though he otherwise had a strong performance, including a 59-yard field goal. The incident highlights the broader cultural conversations around athletes' political expressions and how broadcasters navigate commentary in politically charged contexts. While some viewers appreciated Eisen's humor, others debated the appropriateness of referencing a player's political beliefs during a sports broadcast.