Stephen A. Smith he was forced to make a quick mid-air recovery after confusing the NFL star Christian Kirk for the late political commentator Charlie Kirk.
Smith, 58, was recapping the playoff game between the Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Tuesday, Jan. 13, episode of ESPN. first take when the awkward confusion occurred.
“We saw Charlie Kirk catch eight receptions for 144 yards,” Smith declared before being corrected by the host. Shae Peppler Cornette.
Smith went on to say, “I’m sorry, I apologize. Oh my God, I meant Christian Kirk.”
The shocking death of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk sparked a widespread reaction from the sports world. Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10. He was 31 years old. The political commentator was best known for his popular podcast, “The Charlie Kirk Show,” and for being a close ally of (…)
The 29-year-old receiver helped lead the Texans to a 30-6 victory over Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers on Monday, January 12. The Texans continue their road to the Super Bowl next Sunday, January 18, when they play the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round.
Charlie, meanwhile, was shot dead in an event held at Utah Valley University in September 2025. He was 31 years old.
Charlie Kirk
Patrick T. Fallon/AFPThe co-founder of Turning Point USA was a polarizing figure, sparking a wide-ranging conversation about his beliefs after his death. Smith previously addressed the fatal shooting on his September 2025 podcast.
“I don’t care what his political beliefs were. I don’t care what he felt,” Smith said at the time. “That he’s dead at 31. That his wife is a widow. That his kids are orphans because his ideas and his beliefs differ from someone else’s, apparently. And then I go online, and I see people celebrating. Shame! Shame!”.
Smith praised the New York Yankees, who recently observed a moment of silence in Charlie’s honor before a game against the Detroit Tigers.
“Props to the New York Yankees organization last night for having a moment of silence,” Smith continued. “We’re not supposed to condone things like this. We’re not supposed to say it’s okay. I don’t care who you are, black, white or whatever. I hope the FBI and law enforcement catch this individual and do what needs to be done with him.”
Charlie is survived by his wife, Erika Kirkand their two young children.
Erika, 37, has been expressed about her pain – and the reaction to it frequent public appearances in honor of her late husband. Last month, she shared a touching tribute to Charlie after celebrating her first Christmas since his death.
“Life is a little different,” he wrote Instagram. “It’s this rhythm of keeping our traditions mixed with creating new ones to harmonize a normality for babies. It’s new, but strange. Familiar, but not… This Christmas we hid. And while the world, again, remained the world, I loved settling into a space of continuous healing where the silence is golden and is a declaration of love poured into our love. and holy balm for our hearts.”
She added: “Again, life is different now, and to be honest sometimes painful. But God is still so good. Merry Christmas baby Charlie. Thank you for your love notes from heaven. I love you all.”