NFL community mourns after Charlie Kirk's assassination

In the United States, a tragic event unfolded at Utah Valley University where Charlie Kirk, a notable figure, was assassinated. This incident took place just a few days before the NFL's Thursday Night Football game on September 12, 2023, between the Green Bay Packers and Washington Commanders, which was held at Lambeau Field. In response to Kirk's assassination, the NFL organized a moment of silence prior to the game to honor his memory and express condolences to his family. Many prominent figures from the NFL community, including former athletes and sports commentators, publicly expressed their sorrow over the event. The reaction to Kirk's death was swift, with numerous individuals emphasizing the alarming nature of such violence, particularly in relation to the ideas he represented. The NFL stated that moving forward, teams would have the discretion to determine their own tributes to Kirk during upcoming games. This approach aligns with how the league has previously responded to various tragedies, utilizing moments of silence as a way to foster reflection and unity among fans and players alike. The broader sports community also joined in honoring Kirk, with teams from different leagues expressing their condolences through moments of silence and other forms of tribute, along with flags at half-staff, reflecting the impact of his death on the nation.