The sudden killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk prompted major reactions throughout the sports community.

Kirk was fatally shot while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10. He was only 31 years old.

The commentator gained recognition for his hit podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, and his role as a close ally of former President Donald Trump.

The incident occurred just minutes into his scheduled speech at the university, the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour,” which had planned visits to campuses across the nation through late October.

He leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two children: a daughter born in August 2022 and a son born in May 2024.

Scroll down to see how members of the sports world responded to Kirk’s passing.

The New York Yankees observed a moment of silence for Kirk ahead of their matchup with the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night.

“Kirk was the founder of youth activism group Turning Point USA and became a prominent figure on college campuses,” the team wrote via X. “Charlie Kirk, a husband and father of two children, was 31 years old.”

During the remembrance, Kirk’s photo appeared on the ballpark’s outfield video board.

Harrison Butker

The Kansas City Chiefs kicker shared the last text conversation he had with Kirk back in October 2024.

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus,” Kirk had written, quoting Philippians 3:14.

Butker, 30, replied, “On the mission Thank you.”

“Thank you for your unwavering witness for Christ, Charlie,” Butker captioned his post. “Thank you for chasing truth and leading your family as a devoted husband and father. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed, by God’s mercy, rest in peace. Amen.”

Tim Tebow

The former Heisman winner and NFL quarterback said he was “heartbroken and shocked” by news of Kirk’s passing.

“Above anything else, Charlie was a believer in Jesus, a father, and a husband,” Tebow, 38, wrote on X. “He lived with passion, bravery, and dedicated his life to having an eternal impact.”

Pat McAfee

The ESPN host described Kirk as a man “synonymous with boldly voicing beliefs and welcoming dialogue with those who oppose them.”

“I’m not political but I am proud to be an American citizen, and today was shocking, saddening, and infuriating all at once,” McAfee, 38, wrote via X. “I now realize I was naive to how insane it’s gotten, but watching a man hunted down in daylight for his opinions left me disgusted and devastated.”

He continued, “This can’t be who we are becoming as a nation… I truly believe good people will always outnumber the bad, but man… today was terrifying in our country’s history.”

Dave Portnoy

The Barstool Sports founder labeled Kirk’s death “among the darkest days in American history.”

Portnoy, 48, insisted that anyone who downplayed it was “contributing to the problem.”

Kelly Stafford

The wife of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford shared her heartbreak on Instagram Stories.

“Jesus, guide me, please, because I am beyond furious, devastated, and in disbelief at what has taken place and what I’m reading online,” Kelly, 36, posted. “Lifting the Kirk family in prayer.”

Jaxson Dart

The New York Giants rookie quarterback praised Kirk’s impact in a social media tribute.

“Kirk did so much good for our nation,” Dart, 22, wrote on his Instagram Story. “Political violence HAS TO END!! Pray for this nation, man. This is tragic and disgusting!!!”

The widow of late hockey player Matthew Gaudreau related Kirk’s tragedy to her own personal grief.

“I fight every day to shield private details from the web to keep my son, my nieces, and nephews safe,” Madeline wrote in her Instagram Story. “I beg all of you not to repost, share, or engage with anything that harms Charlie’s loved ones. Let’s protect them.”

She also reposted an image reading “Rest in peace Charlie” and added, “My heart hurts deeply for this family.”

Matthew and his brother Johnny lost their lives after an alleged drunk driver struck them while biking in August 2024.

Madeline welcomed her first child, son Tripp, that December.

Danica Patrick

The former IndyCar driver, who has leaned into political commentary, delivered a detailed tribute.

“His drive to bring conservative values into schools and colleges made being Republican appealing again to younger people,” Patrick, 43, wrote on Instagram. “He knew how to make a rally feel like an exciting, fun event! He had a vision, passion, and he built it into reality.”

She added, “Moments like these force us to question humanity and ask why tragedies happen, and most importantly … what’s the path forward? I don’t have that answer. But I know it’s not with more anger, even though rage comes naturally. We need an answer that truly transforms the world.”

Brett Favre

The Hall of Fame quarterback admitted he was “speechless” over Kirk’s death.

“Only word I can use is tragic,” Favre, 55, posted on X. “Please keep Charlie Kirk’s family in your prayers…”

Julian Edelman

“Politics aside, it makes no difference where you stand,” the retired Patriots star, 39, wrote on X. “Violence like this cannot be excused.”

Edelman continued, “Prayers for his family.”

Michelle Tafoya

The longtime Sunday Night Football reporter said Kirk’s death highlighted that “being an outspoken conservative in America is now dangerous.”

“Charlie Kirk was a brave voice who inspired countless people and shifted minds,” Tafoya, 60, concluded. “Praying. Without apology.”