The shocking death of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk drew a widespread reaction from the sports world.
Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10. He was 31 years old.
The political commentator was best known for his popular podcast, “The Charlie Kirk Show,” and being a close ally to President Donald Trump.
Kirk was shot just minutes into a speaking engagement at the university, the first stop on his “American Comeback Tour,” which was set to hit college campuses throughout the country until the end of October.
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He is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two children: a daughter born in August 2022 and a son born in May 2024.
For how the sports world reacted to Kirk’s death, keep reading.
The New York Yankees
The Yankees held a moment of silence for Kirk before the team’s game against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday.
“Kirk founded the youth activist group ‘Turning Point USA’ and had become a fixture on college campuses,” the team shared via X. “Charlie Kirk, a husband and father of two children, was 31 years old.”
During the moment of silence, Kirk’s face was shown on the outfield Jumbotron.
Harrison Butker
The Kansas City Chiefs kicker posted the final text exchange he had with Kirk in October 2024.
“I press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus 
,” Kirk wrote, a Bible verse from Philippians 3:14.
Butker, 30, responded, “On the mission 
Thank you.”
“Thank you for your strong witness for Christ, Charlie,” Butker captioned the social media post. “Thank you for pursuing truth and leading your family as a husband and father. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
Tim Tebow
The former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner was “shocked and devastated” to learn of Kirk’s death.
“Above all else, Charlie was a follower of Jesus, a husband, and a dad,” Tebow, 38, wrote via X. “He was a man of passion, courage, and devoted his life to making an eternal impact.”
Pat McAfee
The ESPN personality said Kirk’s name was “synonymous with having the courage to speak what you believe and seek/welcome conversations with those whom you disagree with.”
“I’m not a political person but I am a proud American citizen and today was startling, saddening, and maddening all at the same time,” McAfee, 38, wrote via X. “I’ve realized that I’m a bit naive to how crazy it all has become but watching a man get hunted and slayed in broad daylight because of his opinions made me disgusted and devastated.”
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He added, “This can’t be what we actually are or become as a country.. I believe that the good people will always outnumber the evil people but damn… today was an alarming day in our country’s history.”
Dave Portnoy
The Barstool Sports founder called Kirk’s death “one of the darkest days in American history.”
Portnoy, 48, argued that anybody who disagreed with him was “part of the problem.”
Kelly Stafford
The wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford voiced her outrage via her Instagram Story.
“Jesus guide me, please, because I am beyond angry, sad, and in disbelief of what has happened and what I’m seeing on social media,” Kelly, 36, wrote. “Praying so hard for the Kirk family.”
Jaxson Dart
Dart, a rookie quarterback for the New York Giants, said Kirk “did great things for our country” in a post via his Instagram Story.
“Political violence NEEDS TO STOP!!” Dart, 22, wrote. “Pray for our country man. This is disgusting and Sad!!!”
Madeline Gaudreau
The widow of hockey player Matthew Gaudreau reflected on her own husband’s death in issuing a plea for Kirk’s family.
“I fight to keep sensitive information off the internet to protect my son, my nieces and nephews,” Madeline wrote via her Instagram Story. “Please I beg you all do not reshare, view, comment on anything that will damage Charlie’s family/friends. Let’s help protect them.”
Madeline also shared a post reading “Rest in peace Charlie” and wrote, “My heart aches for this family 
.”
Matthew and his older brother, Johnny, were killed by an alleged drunk driver while riding bicycles in August 2024.
Madeline gave birth to the couple’s first baby, son Tripp, in December 2024.
Danica Patrick
The former race car driver, who has leaned into political activism in recent years, posted a lengthy remembrance of Kirk.
“His mission to bring conservative values into high schools and colleges helped make being a republican cool again in the youth,” Patrick, 43, wrote via Instagram. “He was able to take a rally and turn it into a high energy fun party! He was able to take his vision and passion and turn it into reality.”
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She added, “It’s in times like these that we have to look at humanity and ask why these things happen and then the most important question … what do we do next? I don’t have the answer. But I know it’s not fight fire with fire, even though anger is a dominant emotion. We need an answer that will change the world forever.”
Brett Favre
The former NFL quarterback was “at a loss for words” after news of Kirk’s shooting.
“Only thing I can think of is tragic,” Favre, 55, wrote via X. “Please keep Charlie Kirk and his family in your prayers…”
Julian Edelman
“Doesn’t matter where you land in the political landscape,” the former New England Patriots star, 39, wrote via X. “Violence like this is never acceptable.
Edelman added, “Praying for the family.”
Michelle Tafoya
The former Sunday Night Football sideline reporter argued that Kirk’s death made it clear ”it is dangerous to be an outspoken conservative in America.”
“Charlie Kirk is a courageous voice who has inspired many and changed many minds,” Tafoya, 60, added. “Praying. Unapologetically.”
