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Houston Texans draw outrage for ‘tone-deaf’ pregame tribute to victims of violence without mentioning Charlie Kirk
Times of India ^ | Sep 16, 2025

Posted on 09/16/2025 7:32:47 PM PDT by nickcarraway

Houston Texans draw outrage for ‘tone-deaf’ pregame tribute to victims of violence without mentioning Charlie Kirk The Houston Texans held a pregame moment of silence during their Monday Night Football game but did not specifically mention Charlie Kirk. Instead, they honored all victims of violence and natural disasters, sparking debate over whether Kirk deserved a distinct tribute. Other NFL teams took different approaches, with some explicitly honoring Kirk by name. This divided response has fueled discussions about respect, politics, and how tragedies are acknowledged in sports.

Approximately 20 minutes before kickoff at NRG Stadium, the public address system announced the moment of silence. It lasted for 10 seconds and was broadcast live on ESPN. The Texans later explained their decision in a statement:

“We held a moment of silence pregame to honor all victims of violence and natural disasters across the country. Unfortunately, there have been a number of recent tragedies, so we did not think it was appropriate to single any of them out and minimize the others that have occurred.” — MailSport (@MailSport)

This broad approach contrasts sharply with other NFL teams. Notably, the Dallas Cowboys dedicated a clear, explicit tribute to Kirk before their game, with club owner Jerry Jones publicly expressing support for acknowledging the Turning Point USA founder’s assassination by name. NFL’s inconsistent response raises questions

Seven NFL teams chose to observe moments of silence during Week 2, though five refrained from mentioning Kirk specifically. The league itself mandated a silent reflection prior to the Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field but left the wording ambiguous.

— SaycheeseDGTL (@SaycheeseDGTL)

Critics argue the Texans’ decision appears like an attempt to sidestep controversy, while others view it as a measured gesture aimed at inclusivity. As the NFL grapples with a sensitive moment in American politics and public life, this split response reflects deeper divisions about how public figures should be remembered after tragic deaths.

Also Read: “Disgusted and saddened”: Ex-Jets star Nick Mangold slams New Jersey town for refusing to lower flags in honor of Charlie Kirk

Whether this generalized approach will satisfy fans and observers remains uncertain, but it has already ignited a spirited debate about respect, recognition, and political implications in sports.


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: charliekirk; football; houstontexans; irynazarutska; snub; sports; texas; victims

1 posted on 09/16/2025 7:32:47 PM PDT by nickcarraway
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To: nickcarraway

Texas.


2 posted on 09/16/2025 7:33:16 PM PDT by nickcarraway
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To: nickcarraway

They suck when they started being the Oilers.


3 posted on 09/16/2025 7:47:39 PM PDT by DesertRhino (When men on the chessboard, get up and tell you where to go…)
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To: nickcarraway

I never thought I’d ever get NFL news from the Times of India.


4 posted on 09/16/2025 7:51:25 PM PDT by xp38
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To: nickcarraway

The NFL HATES you America.

But you keep watching. :)


5 posted on 09/16/2025 7:56:00 PM PDT by Tzimisce ( )
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To: nickcarraway

Houston: the Laodicea of Texas?


6 posted on 09/16/2025 7:56:02 PM PDT by Oscar in Batangas (An Honors Graduate from the Don Rickles School of Personal Verbal Intercourse)
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To: nickcarraway
Profiles in cowardice.

7 posted on 09/16/2025 7:56:11 PM PDT by Governor Dinwiddie ( O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is gracious, and his mercy endures forever. — Psalm 106)
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To: nickcarraway

The team CHOKED big time.

Karma is a b***h.


8 posted on 09/16/2025 8:01:33 PM PDT by Biblebelter
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To: nickcarraway

And I should care because…


9 posted on 09/16/2025 8:05:51 PM PDT by crusty old prospector
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To: nickcarraway

Not surprising. At all.

I have happily not watched the NFL for quite a few years now.


10 posted on 09/16/2025 8:08:58 PM PDT by simpson96
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To: nickcarraway

It’s a bad look when you’re outclassed by Jerry Jones.


11 posted on 09/16/2025 8:13:50 PM PDT by ConservaTexan (February 6, 1911/June 14, 1944)
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To: Tzimisce

The NFL has been dead to me for years. F them.


12 posted on 09/16/2025 8:23:45 PM PDT by iamgalt
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To: ConservaTexan

Well, Jerry Jones is not great, but at least he’s against Roger Goodell.


13 posted on 09/16/2025 8:26:50 PM PDT by nickcarraway
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To: simpson96

Well, the majority of teams did have a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk. The NFL mandated Thursday Night Football have one, and left it up to the home team for the other 15 games.


14 posted on 09/16/2025 8:28:06 PM PDT by nickcarraway
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To: iamgalt

(The NFL has been dead to me for years)

Same here.

Didn’t care much and now even less.

AND 12 NFL teams are now trying to put sissy men on the field as “cheerleaders”.

The NFL and the Homosexual Agenda...

Clicked thread to read about Charlie.


15 posted on 09/16/2025 8:46:16 PM PDT by SaveFerris (Luke 17:28 ... as it was in the Days of Lot; They did Eat, They Drank, They Bought, They Sold ......)
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To: Tzimisce

I gave up on the national felon league after the domestic violence incidents involving Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson.


16 posted on 09/16/2025 8:48:58 PM PDT by No name given ( Anonymous is who you’ll know me as )
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To: iamgalt

Well said.


17 posted on 09/16/2025 8:49:14 PM PDT by No name given ( Anonymous is who you’ll know me as )
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To: nickcarraway

Regards,

18 posted on 09/16/2025 11:28:53 PM PDT by alexander_busek (Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.)
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To: nickcarraway

Houston really isn’t part of Texas anymore since New Orleans moved there after Katrina.


19 posted on 09/17/2025 3:20:46 AM PDT by FlingWingFlyer (God Bless Charlie Kirk.)
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