Stephen A. Smith was pressured to make a fast restoration on the air after mistaking NFL star Christian Kirk for late political commentator Charlie Kirk.
Smith, 58, was recapping the Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers playoff recreation in the course of the Tuesday, January 13, episode of ESPN’s First Take when the awkward mixup occurred.
“We noticed Charlie Kirk catch eight receptions for 144 yards,” Smith declared earlier than being corrected by host Shae Peppler Cornette.
Smith then continued, saying, “I’m sorry, I apologize. Oh, my God, I meant Christian Kirk.”
The 29-year-old vast receiver helped lead the Texans to a 30-6 victory over Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers on Monday, January 12. The Texans proceed their path to the Tremendous Bowl subsequent Sunday, January 18, once they play the New England Patriots within the AFC divisional spherical.
Charlie, in the meantime, was shot and killed at an occasion held at Utah Valley College in September 2025. He was 31 years outdated.
Charlie Kirk Patrick T. Fallon/AFP
The Turning Level USA cofounder was a polarizing determine, sparking a widespread dialog about his beliefs within the wake of his loss of life. Smith beforehand addressed the deadly capturing on his podcast in September 2025.
“I don’t care what his political opinions have been. I don’t care what he felt,” Smith stated on the time. “That he’s lifeless on the age of 31. That his spouse is a widow. That his kids are fatherless as a result of his concepts and his beliefs differed from any person else, apparently. After which I’m logging on, and I’m seeing folks celebrating it. Disgrace! Disgrace on you!”
Smith went on to reward the New York Yankees, who had just lately held a second of silence in Charlie’s honor earlier than a recreation towards the Detroit Tigers.
“Props to the New York Yankees group final night time for having a second of silence,” Smith continued. “We’re not alleged to condone stuff like this. We’re not alleged to say it’s OK. I don’t give a rattling who you’re — Black, white or something in between. I hope the FBI and legislation enforcement catch this particular person and do what must be achieved with him.”
Charlie is survived by his spouse, Erika Kirk, and their two younger kids.
Erika, 37, has been outspoken about her grief — and the response to her frequent public appearances honoring her late husband. Final month, she shared an emotional tribute to Charlie after celebrating the primary Christmas since his loss of life.
“Life is slightly completely different,” she wrote through Instagram. “It’s this rhythm of sustaining our traditions blended in with creating new ones to harmonize right into a normalcy for the infants. It’s new, however unusual. Acquainted, however not. … This Christmas we tucked away. And whereas the world, once more, saved being the world, I liked settling into an area of continued therapeutic the place silence is golden and is an announcement in itself. The outpouring from our family members, has been a sacred and holy balm to our hearts.”
She added, “Once more, life is completely different now, and to be sincere at occasions painful. However God continues to be so good. Merry Christmas Charlie child. Thanks in your love notes from Heaven. I cherish all of them.”
