In a surprising and controversial move, the Kansas City Chiefs have announced that they will not be hosting a Pride Night at Arrowhead Stadium this season.

Citing concerns over promoting a “woke agenda,” the Chiefs’ decision has sent shockwaves through the NFL, dividing fans and igniting debates across social media.

In a statement that caught even the team’s most loyal fans off guard, the Chiefs’ front office outlined their reasons for canceling the event. “We believe football should be about unity, strength, and perseverance,” the statement read. “It’s not about pushing a ‘woke agenda’ or making political statements.

We’re here to play the game and represent our community. As such, the Kansas City Chiefs will not be hosting a Pride Night.”

The move stands in stark contrast to many other NFL teams that have embraced LGBTQ+ inclusion and made Pride Nights a staple of their community outreach efforts.

The Chiefs’ refusal to participate has sparked a heated debate, with supporters praising the team for “staying true to football,” while critics accuse the franchise of turning its back on progress and inclusion.

While the Chiefs’ management remains firm in their decision, the response from players has been notably mixed.

Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes diplomatically distanced himself from the controversy, stating, “I’m here to play football, not politics. But I do believe everyone should be treated with respect, on and off the field.”

Tight end Travis Kelce, known for his fun-loving personality, shared a more lighthearted take on the situation. “I mean, I wear glitter on my cleats sometimes, so I guess I’m a little confused,” he joked during a media session.

“But hey, we’re all about winning games here. We’ll let the front office deal with that stuff.” Kelce’s comments were met with widespread support on social media, with fans appreciating his playful approach.

However, kicker Harrison Butker, known for his more conservative views, appeared 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.”

The Chiefs’ decision has deeply divided the fanbase. Supporters of the team’s stance have praised the organization for “keeping politics out of sports,” while others expressed disappointment, particularly LGBTQ+ fans. One Twitter user, @EqualityFanKC, voiced their frustration: “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.”

While the NFL itself has remained silent on the matter, other teams were quick to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. The San Francisco 49ers, known for hosting one of the most elaborate Pride Night events in the league, tweeted a rainbow emoji with the caption, “Everyone is welcome here.”