NFL Officially Allows Teams to Honor Charlie Kirk After Mandating Moment of Silence in Recent Game

The NFL confirmed on Friday that teams will have the option to hold moments of silence this Sunday in honor of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and devoted Eagles fan who was tragically assassinated earlier this week.

Thursday night’s matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Washington Commanders already included a powerful tribute, with fans and players pausing before kickoff to honor Kirk’s memory. “Last night’s moment was the league’s decision. It’s up to the clubs for this Sunday’s games,” the league said in a statement.

The NFL highlighted that these tributes are consistent with past moments of silence held after tragedies, such as the Tree of Life Synagogue attack in Pittsburgh in 2018, natural disasters, and international incidents like the Hamas attack in Israel in 2023. The league also referenced previous tributes for Kobe Bryant, Damar Hamlin, and other members of the sports community.

Beyond football, tributes extended across American sports. The New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs both held moments of silence before their games, while MLB directed all teams to keep flags at half-staff in accordance with a White House proclamation.

The Carolina Panthers also made headlines after firing a staff member who posted insensitive remarks about Kirk’s assassination. “We do not condone violence of any kind,” the Panthers stated. “The views expressed were the individual’s, not the organization’s, and we took swift action.”

Meanwhile, Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, delivered an emotional speech, thanking supporters and urging the nation to reject violence. “May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus, our loving Savior,” she said during a televised address that left many in tears.

The Eagles community, where Kirk’s fandom was most deeply rooted, has joined in mourning. With NFL teams preparing for Week 2, many fans are expecting Lincoln Financial Field to be among the stadiums that will pause to honor a man who, beyond politics, was remembered as a passionate supporter of his team.