NFL faces backlash after 3 teams stay silent on Charlie Kirk assassination tribute

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist and MAGA star, was shot and killed on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Just days after his assassination, NFL fans were shocked when the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens did not hold a tribute before their Sunday games.

Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens face backlash for skipping Charlie Kirk tribute

Other teams, including the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, and Arizona Cardinals, stopped play before kickoff to honor Kirk’s memory.

Baltimore Ravens once honored George Floyd but stayed silent after Charlie Kirk assassination in Utah

The decision by the Lions, Bengals, and Ravens not to honor Kirk became more controversial because of past actions. In 2020, the Baltimore Ravens observed a moment of silence for George Floyd, who was killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

Players from both teams even took a knee during the National Anthem that season.This weekend, however, the Ravens made no reference to Kirk’s killing. The NFL explained on Friday, September 12, that teams were free to decide on tributes. The league said: “Last night’s moment was the league’s decision. It’s up to the clubs for this Sunday’s games.”

NFL teams divided as New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys and others remember Charlie Kirk

The Cowboys, Jets, and Titans displayed Kirk’s image on their jumbotrons.

The Dolphins went further, linking their tribute to both Kirk and the victims of the September 11 attacks.

The NFL also noted that tributes have been common in recent years after major tragedies. The league mentioned moments of silence for events like the Tree of Life Synagogue attack in Pittsburgh in 2018, the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, and natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes.Meanwhile, investigators in Utah continue to build their case.

Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder after Charlie Kirk’s shooting. Authorities said Robinson mocked police during the manhunt and left bullets marked with anti-fascist messages. Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed Robinson’s family told police he had become more political in recent years.Charlie Kirk’s family is now preparing a public memorial in Utah next week as tributes across the nation remain divided.