Harrison Butker and Lamar Jackson Lead NFL Tributes for Slain Charlie Kirk

Harrison Butker and Lamar Jackson saw Charlie Kirk as a rising star and his views lined up with young athletes.

Harrison Butker and Lamar Jackson Lead NFL Tributes for Slain Charlie Kirk

Harrison Butker and Lamar Jackson lead Charlie Kirk tributes (Image via Imago/Kirkland/X)

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The last time politics ruled the country’s stratosphere, Harrison Butker received a lot of flak for his opinions. This time, conservative activist Charlie Kirk‘s shooting has brought the league together, with Lamar Jackson joining in to slam those mocking the horrific killing.

Kirk was holding a campus event at Utah Valley University, which marked the kickoff of his “The American Comeback Tour.” The 31-year-old was having his ‘prove me wrong’ open table, where the audience was encouraged to debate the activist publicly.

There were approximately 3000 students at the show, and as has become customary in the social media era, some were recording the conversations. While he was replying to a student, a video clip shows the activist being shot in the neck.

There was no sound captured. Given the severity of the wound, several publications speculate that a sniper rifle may have shot Kirk at 12:20 local time. Students clamored for safety as officers patrolling the area swarmed in.

So far, the FBI has arrested a suspect but released him after questioning for hours. The hunt is on for Charlie Kirk’s shooter, as he leaves behind his widow, Erika Frantzve, and their two children.

Kirk was a popular activist, especially among the younger generation. He was instrumental in helping students and young adults bring forth their voices. His efforts helped the Republicans successfully return to power.

This news shocked the country, with President Donald Trump being the first to confirm Kirk’s death. Soon after, tributes poured in as the country grappled with the idea that a political assassination had taken place.

Harrison Butker prays for Charlie Kirk while Lamar Jackson slams those rejoicing his death

Leading up to the Presidential elections, politics caused division not just among common folk, but also seeped into sports with many athletes tilting towards one side.

In this situation, it seems the majority of the NFL world is united, with the likes of staunch conservative Harrison Butker offering prayers to Charlie Kirk’s family.

The other usual suspects, Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, and right-leaning athletes, offered prayers. Joining them were predominantly left-leaning stars, both present and from the past.

Ryan Clark took the opportunity to talk about senseless violence and how it impacts lives. Then there were Lamar Jackson and Dez Bryant, who called out those who were rejoicing in the death of Charlie Kirk. Check out those comments below.

Lamar Jackson shared Torey Smith's post
Lamar Jackson shared Torey Smith’s post (Image via SS/X)
Jaxson Dart on IG
Jaxson Dart on IG (Image via SS/IG)

Most of them had a similar story to tell. Senseless violence like this has no place in the country. Even if this killing has not yet been confirmed as a political assassination, they ask if there was a need to leave a family shattered.

Charlie Kirk was a rising star and could have been President down the line

Charlie Kirk was one of the most influential young political activists in the country. Before his death, he was instrumental in helping the youth raise their voices against anything they felt was not right with the country.

Many young athletes saw Charlie Kirk as a future President
Many young athletes saw Charlie Kirk as a future President (Image via Robert F. Kennedy/X)

Some of his views did trigger negative reactions, particularly from left-leaning individuals. That is why Deseret News reported that after his initial kickoff event started at Utah Valley University, over 6000 people signed a petition requesting the faculty of Utah State to bar Kirk from holding an event there.

He was scheduled to visit Utah State on September 30th, and those petitioners believed the conservative activist’s views were not in line with the college’s value of inclusivity.

So far, it is unclear as to who shot Charlie Kirk. But it was clear that had this tragic incident not happened, the CEO of Turning Point USA would have been a viable candidate to run for President.

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