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Stephen A. Smith was forced to make a quick on-air recovery after confusing the NFL star Christian Kirk for a deceased political commentator Charlie Kirk.
Smith, 58, was recapping the Houston Texans’ playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the Tuesday, Jan. 13, episode of the ESPN show. First take when the awkward mix-up occurred.
“We saw Charlie Kirk catch eight receptions for 144 yards,” Smith said before being corrected by the host. Shae Pepper Cornette.
Smith then 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 has sparked widespread reaction across 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 win 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 face the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round.
Charlie, for his part, was shot during an event detained 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, spark broad conversation on his beliefs following his death. Smith previously discussed the fatal shooting on his podcast in September 2025.
“I don’t care what his political beliefs were. I don’t care what he felt,” Smith said at the time. “That he died at the age of 31. That his wife is a widow. That his children are fatherless because his ideas and beliefs were different from someone else’s, apparently. And then I go online and I see people celebrating him. Shame! Shame on you!”
Smith then praised the New York Yankees, who recently held 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 observing a moment of silence,” Smith continued. “We’re not supposed to tolerate things like this. We’re not supposed to say everything’s okay. I don’t care who you are – black, white or anything in between. I hope the FBI and law enforcement arrest 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, was talk frankly about your grief – and the reaction to it frequent public appearances honoring her late husband. Last month, she shared a moving tribute to Charlie after celebrating the first Christmas since his death.
“Life is a little different,” she wrote via Instagram. “It’s that rhythm of maintaining our traditions mixed with creating new ones to harmonize into a normal for babies. It’s new, but strange. Familiar, but not. …This Christmas we stayed hidden. And while the world, once again, continued to be the world, I loved settling into a space of continued healing where silence is golden and is a statement in itself. The outpouring of our loved ones has been a sacred and holy balm to our hearts.”
She added: “Again, life is different now, and to be honest, painful at times. But God is still so good. Merry Christmas Charlie baby. Thank you for your notes of love from heaven. I cherish them all.”
