NFL Teams Honor Charlie Kirk Amid Controversial Reactions

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – In a show of respect, several NFL teams held pregame tributes to Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University last week. The tributes took place on September 14 during home games scheduled for the 1 p.m. window.

The Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints held moments of silence and displayed Kirk’s photo on their video boards. In Nashville, fans stood together to honor Kirk before the Titans’ game against the Los Angeles Rams at Nissan Stadium.

However, reactions varied across the league. While some teams opted to honor Kirk, others, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, and Pittsburgh Steelers, chose not to acknowledge him during their games.

The NFL coordinated a tribute at the Green Bay Packers and Washington Commanders‘ “Thursday Night Football” game, leaving it to individual teams to decide how to proceed. The Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals also held moments of silence before their respective games, combining the tributes with remembrances of the September 11 attacks.

The decision to honor Kirk has sparked debate. Critics argue that while recognizing violence is important, paying tribute to a figure known for promoting divisive ideologies contradicts the unifying spirit of sports. Kirk’s past statements and the controversial nature of his organization have led some to question the appropriateness of these tributes.

“The NFL condemns all violence in our communities,” said the Lambeau Field public address announcer prior to the Packers’ game, highlighting the league’s stance against hate.

The emotional responses across stadiums were mixed, with many fans applauding the tributes, while others expressed their discomfort. The Jets’ tribute, in particular, was noted for its context—taking place in a region typically less inclined to embrace conservative figures.

As the NFL navigates these sensitive topics, the question remains: how should sports leagues balance tributes to individuals with controversial legacies against the values of inclusion and community they aspire to promote?