The sudden death of Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative activist and media personality, has triggered an outpouring of grief across the United States. While his political allies and public officials have already spoken forcefully about the tragedy, another community has also raised its voice: the world of sports.

From football legends and baseball stars to boxers, coaches, and sports commentators, many figures connected to athletics offered condolences and prayers after Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon. Their reactions highlight the wide-reaching influence Kirk had developed, not just in politics but in broader American culture, including the sports world.

According to law enforcement and university officials, Kirk was struck by a single gunshot while addressing a crowd as part of his American Comeback Tour. Witnesses described a chaotic scene in which he collapsed under a white pop-up tent as screams filled the venue. A campus-wide alert was immediately issued, and police later confirmed that a suspect was in custody.

News of the shooting spread rapidly across social media, reaching professional athletes and sports commentators within minutes. Their responses underscored both the shock of the event and the personal connections Kirk had built in the sports community.

NFL Legends Respond

Among the first to respond was Brett Favre, the Hall of Fame quarterback whose career with the Green Bay Packers made him an icon. Favre posted a simple but heartfelt message, asking fans to “pray for Charlie’s family.” Though he rarely comments on political news, Favre has often engaged with broader cultural conversations, and his quick acknowledgment reflected the scale of Kirk’s influence.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers stars Antonio Brown and LeVeon Bell also weighed in. Brown, who has had his own controversial career, used his platform on X to send condolences. Bell, once one of the most electrifying running backs in the league, echoed the call for prayers and lamented the state of violence in the country.

Golden Tate, the former NFL wide receiver who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, added his voice. Tate wrote that the shooting was “sickening” and that he was praying for Kirk’s loved ones. His remarks captured the disbelief many athletes expressed, a reaction that mirrored the shock of fans nationwide.

Baseball Stars Offer Condolences

The baseball world also reacted with sadness. Mark Teixeira, who won a World Series with the New York Yankees in 2009, said he was “devastated” by the news and described Kirk as “a strong voice who cared deeply about the next generation.”

John Rocker, a former MLB pitcher known for his outspoken personality, expressed his anger at the shooting, saying that such violence had no place in American life. He called Kirk’s death “a senseless act that robbed America of a young man with vision and drive.”

Boxing Community Speaks Out

In combat sports, high-profile figures such as Jake Paul and Ryan Garcia, both of whom command massive followings among younger audiences, shared emotional responses. Paul, the YouTube star turned professional boxer, wrote that the shooting was “horrific” and that he was sending “love and light to the family.” Garcia, known for his outspoken presence on social media, posted that the event was “a tragedy that should never happen in America.”

Their comments were notable not only because of their fame but also because they reached audiences far outside the traditional political or sports establishment. Together, their messages carried Kirk’s story to millions of young followers who might not have otherwise engaged with news of the shooting.

Coaching and Collegiate Voices

Bruce Pearl, the head basketball coach at Auburn University, also joined the chorus of voices expressing sorrow. Pearl has long been outspoken on issues beyond sports, and he said that the killing of Kirk was “a day of mourning for America.” He praised Kirk’s ability to inspire young people and lamented the climate of hostility that had turned deadly.

At the collegiate level, the news struck particularly close to home. Utah Valley University officials confirmed that the shooting took place at approximately 12:20 p.m. local time. Ellen Treanor, associate vice president for strategic communication, said the school was “heartbroken that such a tragedy occurred on our campus.”

Rising NFL Star Reacts

Perhaps the most passionate reaction came from Jaxson Dart, a rookie quarterback for the New York Giants. Dart, who is still carving out his place in the NFL, used Instagram to post a series of emotional messages.

“This is some bull s— man! Absolutely sickening!” Dart wrote in one story. In another, he added, “Praying for him and his family! Charlie did great things for our country! Political violence needs to stop! Pray for our country man! This is disgusting and sad!”

His raw reaction quickly gained attention, not only because of his candid language but because it reflected the unfiltered grief of a younger generation of athletes.

Sports Media Personalities Join In

It wasn’t only athletes who spoke out. Sports media figures and entrepreneurs also shared their thoughts. Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, issued a message of shock and sympathy, noting that Kirk’s voice had resonated with many in the sports world. Clay Travis, founder of OutKick, called the shooting “a heartbreaking reminder that violence solves nothing.”

Michelle Tafoya, a longtime NFL sideline reporter, posted a tribute describing Kirk as “a fearless young man who cared deeply about his audience.” Sports Illustrated journalist Albert Breer also weighed in, emphasizing that “beyond politics, this is a devastating tragedy for his family and friends.”

Trump Confirms Kirk’s Death

Although many of the early reactions came when news of the shooting was first reported, it was not until later in the day that President Donald Trump officially confirmed Kirk’s death. Trump posted at 4:40 p.m. ET on Truth Social:

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

His words added weight to the tragedy, but they also reinforced the sense of finality that many in the sports community had been dreading.

A Nation Watches in Shock

The news of Kirk’s assassination has reverberated far beyond politics. For many athletes and fans, it was a reminder that public figures, no matter their field, live under the shadow of risk in an increasingly polarized environment. The fact that Kirk’s final moments were captured on video, with the sound of a single gunshot followed by shouts of “Run, run, run!” only heightened the horror.

For the sports world, the reaction was personal. Athletes are accustomed to sudden injuries, retirements, and the heartbreak of careers cut short, but a violent death during a public event is something few could have imagined. Their responses were not only condolences for Kirk’s family but also calls for reflection on how such violence could erupt so suddenly.

The Tour That Never Finished

Kirk had been scheduled to continue his American Comeback Tour with an appearance at Utah State University later this month. That tour now stands as a tragic reminder of the ambitions he still carried and the audiences he had yet to address. For those in sports who had crossed paths with him, whether through shared events, media appearances, or mutual admiration, the loss felt immediate.

An Outpouring That Transcends Boundaries

The breadth of the sports world’s response—from NFL legends and MLB champions to boxers, college coaches, and sports media figures—speaks to Kirk’s unusual position in American culture. While rooted in politics, his influence extended into spaces where entertainment, athletics, and public discourse intersected. His ability to reach young audiences made him a figure athletes recognized, and his sudden death left them stunned.

For many, the phrase repeated across posts and statements captured the essence of the moment: prayers for his family. Regardless of differences in background or belief, the sports community rallied to honor a man whose voice and presence had reached into their world.

As the investigation continues, questions remain about the motives behind the shooting and what it means for the future of public discourse in America. But for now, athletes and fans alike are left with the image of a young man’s life cut short and the echoes of support pouring in from stadiums, locker rooms, and arenas across the country.