NFL players speak out after Charlie Kirk dies in Utah with Harrison Butker, Jaxson Dart and Lamar Jackson paying tributes | NFL News

On September 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was only 31 years old. Kirk died later that day. News of his death spread fast, and many people, including NFL players and media members, shared their reactions. Some sent prayers to his family, while others called for an end to political violence. The tragedy shocked both fans and athletes who followed his work and his public life.

Harrison Butker, kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, wrote on X:“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.”Butker also reposted a Kirk message from three days before the shooting:“Jesus defeated death so you can live.”Jaxson Dart, rookie quarterback for the New York Giants, reacted on Instagram to his 570,000 followers:“Praying for him and his family. Charlie did great things for our country!! Political violence NEEDS TO STOP!! Pray for our country man. This is disgusting and Sad.”Dart’s teammate Cam Skattebo also asked for prayers for Kirk’s family on his Instagram story. Josh Hines-Allen, linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, added his condolences.Former NFL wide receiver Torrey Smith wrote on X:“Celebrating the death of someone you don’t share the same beliefs as is wild. Seeing it play out in real time is disgusting.”Lamar Jackson reposted Smith’s message, showing support.Veteran wideout Golden Tate and other retired players also expressed sadness over the sudden violence.

Jane Slater, reporter for NFL Network, posted several times on X. She called Kirk’s death “absolutely horrible” and added a crying emoji while sharing updates about his family. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated called the shooting “awful, reprehensible and indicative of a political climate that’s been way out of control for way too long.”Just hours before the attack, Erika Kirk, Charlie’s wife, posted on Instagram:“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant also spoke out strongly:“Seeing people who are excited about Charlie Kirk dying are f–ked up human beings.”Also Read: Travis Kelce’s Retirement Plan Revealed As Taylor Swift Refuses To Be Like Gisele BundchenThe shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has left athletes, fans, and media united in grief, with many saying political violence must end.Utah officials confirmed a task force is reviewing campus security protocols, while tributes for Charlie Kirk continue nationwide. Brittany Mahomes shared a cryptic Instagram story about “hate and division” after Charlie Kirk’s death, sparking widespread discussion.As of Sept 13, 2025, Authorities have now identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s shooting, who allegedly confessed to family members.Police confirmed suspect Tyler Robinson, age twenty-two, confessed privately, sparking courtroom anticipation, national debate, community reflection, accountability, sorrow, resilience, remembrance, unity.