The NFL found itself split on Sunday as America mourned the shocking assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. While several teams honored the conservative activist with moments of silence, others conspicuously chose not to.
Kirk, only 31 years old, was gunned down while speaking at Utah Valley University last Wednesday — a brutal attack that has shaken conservatives across the country. For millions, Kirk wasn’t just another commentator. He was a fighter for free speech, faith, and American values in an era where those ideals are under constant assault.
On Sunday, seven home teams — the Jets, Cardinals, Dolphins, Saints, Titans, Chiefs, and Cowboys — held moments of silence before kickoff. At MetLife Stadium, the Jets displayed photos of Kirk alongside his wife and children, drawing emotional applause from fans. The Packers had already led the way Thursday night at Lambeau Field, where they paused before facing Washington in a nationally televised game. Even Major League Baseball’s Yankees honored Kirk, holding a solemn tribute before their game on Thursday.
But the silence wasn’t universal. Six teams — the Bengals, Lions, Colts, Vikings, Steelers, and Ravens — opted against any public remembrance during their games. The Steelers lowered flags to half-mast at Acrisure Stadium, but stopped short of holding a moment of silence. For many fans, that decision came across as a political dodge at best and disrespect at worst.
The NFL, for its part, punted the responsibility to individual franchises. After Thursday’s league-wide tribute, officials released a statement distancing themselves from mandating more ceremonies. “It’s up to the clubs for this Sunday’s games,” the statement read. The league pointed out that teams frequently hold moments of silence after tragedies ranging from school shootings to natural disasters, but suggested it would not be dictating policy on Kirk.
That response has raised eyebrows, particularly among conservatives who see a double standard. The league has repeatedly bent the knee to progressive causes, from celebrating radical activism in end zones to plastering slogans like “End Racism” on helmets. Yet when a conservative leader is murdered in cold blood, the NFL can’t seem to summon the same unified respect.
The divide is more than symbolic. For years, fans have accused the NFL of picking sides in America’s culture wars, showing deference to the Left while ignoring the values of millions of their core supporters. Sunday’s uneven response to Kirk’s assassination will likely deepen those frustrations.
Meanwhile, the investigation into Kirk’s murder is ongoing. Authorities have identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the alleged assassin, and he is expected to face aggravated murder charges. FBI Director Kash Patel has already indicated the attack may have been part of a broader online conspiracy, suggesting Kirk was targeted for his outspoken conservative views.
Two more NFL games remain this week — the Buccaneers at the Texans and the Chargers at the Raiders on Monday night. Fans will be watching closely to see whether those franchises honor Kirk’s memory, or quietly look the other way.
For many Americans, the choice is simple: honoring a man who dedicated his life to defending faith, freedom, and the Constitution shouldn’t be controversial. It should be the bare minimum.
