Sports world remembers Kirk: ‘A name synonymous with having the courage to speak what you believe’

The death of Turning Point USA founder and prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk led to an outpouring of support throughout the sports world on Wednesday and Thursday.

Mr. Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while hosting an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. A suspect was still at large on Thursday morning, and investigators had not publicly announced a potential motive, though the shooting was widely believed to be associated with the commentator’s conservative beliefs.

“Charlie Kirk, a name synonymous with having the courage to speak what you believe and seek/welcome conversations with those whom you disagree with,” Pat McAfee, a former NFL punter known for his brash podcast, wrote on X. “I’m not a political person but I am a proud American citizen and today was startling, saddening, and maddening all at the same time.”

Mr. Kirk was widely credited with voicing conservative perspectives on college campuses and social media. His online videos drew millions of views.

“Praying for him and his family,” New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart wrote on social media. “Charlie did great things for our country!! Political Violence NEEDS TO STOP!! Pray for our country man. This is disgusting and Sad!!!”

President Trump ordered flags to fly at half-staff from Thursday through Sunday in Mr. Kirk’s honor.

“Above all else, Charlie was a follower of Jesus, a husband, and a dad,” former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow wrote on X. “He was a man of passion, courage, and devotion to making an eternal impact.”

Mr. Kirk’s commentary routinely crossed over into sports. Last year, when Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker invited liberal criticism for a conservative-focused commencement speech at Benedictine College, Mr. Kirk flocked to his defense. 

Butker returned the favor on Wednesday. 

“Thank you for your strong witness for Christ @charliekirk11. Thank you for pursuing truth and leading your family as a husband and father,” the three-time Super Bowl champion wrote on X. “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

Other notable sports names like former Pittsburgh Steelers Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, former Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie, Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl and former New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira sent well-wishes to Mr. Kirk’s family. 

“The Charlie Kirk Shooting was disturbing, disgusting and wrong. Praying for Charlie Kirk’s wife, kids and family,” former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III wrote on X. “It’s okay to disagree with someone’s political views, but celebrating his death makes you a despicable human. No one deserves to be gunned down for their beliefs.”