NFL Didn’t Require Tributes, But Teams Honored Charlie Kirk Anyway

The days following the assassination of Charlie Kirk have been filled with tributes, both public and private, including from major corporations and celebrities. 

Ahead of Sunday’s NFL games, a league spokesperson said it would be left to individual teams to decide whether to acknowledge Charlie Kirk’s tragic death. Some clubs chose to do so, while others did not.

The Tennessee Titans displayed a photo of Kirk and his family on the Jumbotron while observing a moment of silence before the game.

The Miami Dolphins also held a moment of silence for Kirk, the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and “any other victims of violence.” They also offered a “prayer for unity in our country.”

The New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Dallas Cowboys honored Kirk’s memory, while the New Orleans Saints held a moment of silence.

???? HOLY CRAP! Even the DALLAS COWBOYS just honored Charlie Kirk on their big screen, holding a moment of silence

Afterward, the crowd broke out in cheers and applause!

Absolutely NOBODY knew how loved Charlie loved until he was gone ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LtbK3SXKoI

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 14, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs made an announcement at Arrowhead Stadium before their game Sunday night. It said, “Our nation has witnessed several acts of senseless violence in recent weeks, including the deaths of schoolchildren in Colorado, churchgoers in Minnesota, and Charlie Kirk in Utah.”

“At this time, we ask you to join us in a moment of silence as we remember those we have lost.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers did not hold an audible tribute but marked the occasion with a pregame flyover and flags at half-staff.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, and Minnesota Vikings chose not to hold any tributes for Kirk.

The Colts explained that the team instead held a moment of silence for Forrest Lucas, founder of Lucas Oil, the namesake of their stadium. They noted this tribute had been scheduled since his death last month. 

Prior to the weekend, the Green Bay Packers held a moment of silence before their Thursday night game against the Washington Commanders on September 11, one day after Kirk’s assassination.

“He was a national figure,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement to USA Today Sports. “The murder took place about 24 hours before the game.”

“There have been a variety of moments of silence and tributes in-stadium and on-air in all games or a game immediately following events that rise to a national level. Clubs also often hold moments following a tragic event that affects their community.”

Outside of football, other professional sports teams also paid tribute, including Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen, who wrote “Charlie Kirk” on the side of his hat between two crosses. The New York Yankees also observed a moment of silence before their game on Wednesday. 

A memorial for Kirk will be held next Sunday, September 21, at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, in Glendale. The venue seats 63,000 people.