Charlie Kirk, the prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically assassinated in Utah earlier this week, sending shockwaves through political and public circles. His death prompted widespread tributes across various sectors, including professional sports, where the National Football League became a focal point for expressions of remembrance during Week 2 games on September 14, 2025.
The NFL, leaving the decision to individual teams, saw a majority of franchises choose to acknowledge Kirk’s passing with moments of silence or other gestures before kickoff. This collective response highlighted the intersection of sports and national events, as fans and players paused to reflect on the loss amid ongoing discussions about political violence in America.
Tributes Across the League
Several teams integrated the tribute into their pregame ceremonies, often combining it with remembrances for other recent tragedies, such as the victims of September 11. The New York Jets observed a moment of silence at MetLife Stadium, honoring Kirk alongside broader calls to condemn political violence. Similarly, the Dallas Cowboys held a solemn pause before their matchup, with the stadium’s public address system noting Kirk’s contributions to public discourse.
The Dallas Cowboys honored Charlie Kirk with a moment of silence prior to the national anthem at today’s game pic.twitter.com/rLs2PdlDDz
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) September 14, 2025
The New Orleans Saints included the tribute prior to the national anthem in their game against the San Francisco 49ers, though reports indicated some fans booed during the announcement, which also referenced those affected by gun violence. The Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins followed suit, each dedicating time to Kirk’s memory in their respective home stadiums. The Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Arizona Cardinals also participated, with the Chiefs expanding their silence to encompass recent victims of violence in general.
Other franchises, like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders, joined in with flags flown at half-staff or brief acknowledgments, emphasizing unity in the face of division. These actions were met with appreciation from many spectators, who viewed them as a step toward healing in a polarized climate.
Teams That Chose Not to Participate
Not all teams elected to hold tributes, leading to public outcry and debates on social media. The Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, and Minnesota Vikings were among those that did not observe a moment of silence or similar gesture for Kirk. Sources confirmed these decisions were made at the team level, with no league-wide mandate in place.
5 NFL teams chose not to honor Charlie Kirk with a moment of silence today:
– Detroit Lions
– Indianapolis Colts
– Cincinnati Bengals
– Baltimore Ravens
– Minnesota Vikings pic.twitter.com/2oQ4h91Qew
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) September 15, 2025
Critics pointed out that these same teams had previously honored other figures, such as George Floyd in 2020, fueling accusations of inconsistency. Social media erupted with backlash, including calls for boycotts and demands for explanations from team owners. For instance, fans of the Lions expressed disappointment, urging ownership to address the omission.
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The Houston Texans, playing on September 15, were noted in some reports as potentially following the trend of tributes during their Monday night game, but no confirmation was available by press time. Overall, the varied responses underlined the NFL’s role as a mirror to broader societal tensions, with Charlie Kirk’s death prompting reflections on how sports venues handle moments of national significance.
