Conservative political activist and founder of Turning Point Action Charlie Kirk takes the stage during a Turning Point Action 'United for Change' campaign rally for former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 24, 2024. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
Stephen A. Smith experienced an on-air blunder during ESPN’s First Take when he mistakenly referred to NFL player Christian Kirk as the late political commentator Charlie Kirk. The mix-up occurred while Smith, 58, was reviewing the Houston Texans’ playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 13, 2025.
During the segment, Smith inaccurately stated, “We saw Charlie Kirk catch eight receptions for 144 yards,” prompting a quick correction from co-host Shae Peppler Cornette. Smith promptly apologized, clarifying, “Oh, my God, I meant Christian Kirk.”
Kirk, 29, played a pivotal role in leading the Texans to a decisive 30-6 victory over the Steelers on January 12. The Texans now advance to face the New England Patriots in the AFC divisional round scheduled for January 18, as they continue their pursuit of the Super Bowl.
The confusion is particularly poignant given the context surrounding Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed at an event at Utah Valley University in September 2025. He was just 31 years old. A co-founder of Turning Point USA, his death ignited discussions about his controversial views and the circumstances leading to his passing. Smith had previously addressed the impact of Charlie Kirk’s death in a podcast, expressing his dismay over the way some reacted to the tragedy.
“I don’t care what his political beliefs were,” Smith stated. “That he’s dead at the age of 31. That his wife is a widow. That his children are fatherless because his ideas and his beliefs differed from somebody else.” He condemned those who celebrated Charlie Kirk’s death, emphasizing the need for compassion regardless of political affiliations. Smith also praised the New York Yankees for holding a moment of silence in memory of Charlie Kirk during a game against the Detroit Tigers.
Charlie Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk, and their two young children. In the wake of her husband’s death, Erika has been candid about her grief and the challenges of moving forward. Recently, she reflected on the first Christmas since Charlie’s passing, sharing on Instagram, “Life is a little different… it’s this rhythm of maintaining our traditions mixed in with creating new ones.”
Erika’s heartfelt tribute highlighted the contrasting feelings of familiarity and change as she navigates life without her husband. She expressed gratitude for the support received from friends and family, noting, “The outpouring from our loved ones has been a sacred and holy balm to our hearts.”
As the sports community continues to process both the on-air gaffe and the loss of Charlie Kirk, the incidents serve as a reminder of the delicate interplay between public figures and personal tragedies.
