Most NFL teams paused before kickoff Sunday to pay respects to Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was fatally shot earlier this week. But several clubs chose not to mark the moment.
The league initially observed a moment of silence Thursday during the game between the Packers and Commanders. In its aftermath, the NFL stated that future tributes would be voluntary — each team may decide whether to honor Kirk in upcoming games.
Sunday saw many teams — including the Jets, Cardinals, Dolphins, Saints, Steelers, Titans, Chiefs, and Cowboys — observe moments of silence. Others displayed his image on their stadium video boards in a show of remembrance. Yet teams such as the Bengals, Lions, Colts, and Ravens did not participate in pregame tributes.
The tributes reflect both the shock and polarization surrounding Kirk’s death. He was 31 and leaves behind a wife and two young children. An arrest has been made, and the suspect is expected to face serious charges.
As tributes continue, debate grows over how public institutions like sports organizations should respond in times of political tragedy.