Sports and politics. They’re like oil and water, except someone keeps shaking the bottle. When news broke in September 2025 that Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, had been assassinated at an event in Utah, the ripple effect hit the NFL almost immediately. It wasn't just a news story; it became a league-wide litmus test.
By Week 2 of the 2025 season, the stadium screens were split. On one side, you had massive tributes. On the other, a handful of teams stayed completely silent.
If you’re looking for what NFL teams didn't tribute Charlie Kirk, the answer isn't a single "no." It’s actually a specific list of seven franchises that decided to walk a different path during a very tense weekend in American sports.
The Seven Teams That Opted Out
While the NFL office mandated a moment of silence for the Thursday Night Football game between the Green Bay Packers and Washington Commanders, they didn't force it on everyone else. They left the Sunday and Monday decisions up to the home clubs. This "choose your own adventure" style of league governance led to a clear divide.
The following seven teams did not hold a specific, named tribute or moment of silence for Charlie Kirk during their Week 2 home games:
- Detroit Lions
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Baltimore Ravens
- Indianapolis Colts
- Minnesota Vikings
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Houston Texans (with a caveat)
The Houston Texans are a bit of a special case here. They did technically have a moment of silence, but they chose to keep it broad. Instead of naming Kirk, they dedicated the time to "all victims of violence and natural disasters across the country." Depending on who you ask, that was either a diplomatic middle ground or a deliberate omission.
Why the Silence? The Official Explanations
Honestly, it wasn't always about politics—at least not according to the teams. Some franchises had logistical reasons. Or at least, they had other things they were already committed to honoring.
Take the Indianapolis Colts. They were pretty quick to clarify that their pregame schedule was already packed. They had a long-planned memorial for Forrest Lucas, the founder of Lucas Oil and the man whose name is literally on their stadium. He had passed away recently, and the team felt that was their priority for the home opener.
Then you have the Minnesota Vikings. They told reporters they were focusing on a local tragedy: the Annunciation Church & School shooting that had recently rocked Minneapolis. For them, honoring a local community loss felt more appropriate than a national political figure with no ties to the Twin Cities.
The Cultural Split: Dallas vs. Detroit
The contrast between teams was jarring. In Dallas, Jerry Jones didn't just allow a tribute; he leaned into it. The Cowboys featured Kirk’s photo on the massive "JerryWorld" jumbotron and held a formal moment of silence. Jones even went on the record comparing the weight of the assassination to the political murders of the 1960s.
Compare that to the atmosphere at Ford Field. The Detroit Lions simply moved forward with their standard pregame routine. No photo. No silence. No mention.
This divide sparked a massive "shame on you" campaign on social media, particularly targeting the Ravens and the Lions. Critics pointed out that these same teams had been very vocal about social justice initiatives in 2020. Supporters of the silence, however, argued that Kirk was a divisive figure who had spent years critiquing the NFL's "woke" policies, so a tribute felt hypocritical.
The "Mandate" That Wasn't
It's important to remember how this started. The NFL's central office made the call for the Thursday night game in Green Bay. Because the league itself runs the Thursday broadcast, they set the tone. But by Friday, the league sent a memo to all 32 clubs stating that Sunday tributes were at the "discretion of the home club."
This was basically the NFL's way of washing its hands of the controversy. By making it optional, they avoided a league-wide boycott but also guaranteed that every team’s choice would be scrutinized under a microscope.
Notable Differences in How Tributes Happened
Even the teams that did do something didn't all do the same thing.
- The New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys: These were the most "traditional" tributes, featuring photos and clear announcements.
- The Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs: They bundled Kirk into a larger "remembrance" that included 9/11 victims (since the anniversary was that same week) and general victims of gun violence.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers: This was the most subtle. They didn't do an audible "moment of silence" announcement. Instead, they flew the flags at half-staff and did a pregame flyover. It was a "if you know, you know" gesture that followed an order from the state governor.
Why This Matters for the Future of the NFL
The "Kirk controversy" of 2025 proved that the NFL is no longer just a sports league; it’s a mirror. The teams that didn't tribute Charlie Kirk mostly represent cities or ownership groups that are either trying to stay out of the culture war entirely or are sensitive to a fan base that found Kirk’s rhetoric—specifically his comments on the Civil Rights Act and MLK—deeply offensive.
We’re seeing a shift where "neutrality" is no longer an option. If you don't hold a moment of silence, that is seen as a political statement. If you do hold one, that is also a political statement.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're trying to navigate how your favorite team handles these moments, keep these points in mind:
- Check the "Home Team" Status: Tributes almost always happen at the discretion of the team hosting the game. If your team was "away" during a major event, their silence doesn't necessarily mean they opted out.
- Look for Bundled Tributes: Many teams now use "all-encompassing" moments of silence to avoid the controversy of naming a single individual.
- Ownership Matters: The personal politics of owners like Jerry Jones (Cowboys) or the Hunt family (Chiefs) usually dictate what you see on the big screen.
The NFL will likely continue this "club discretion" policy for the foreseeable future. It’s the only way the league can keep its diverse set of owners happy while trying to manage a fan base that is more divided than ever.