The sudden assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on September 10, while he was speaking at Utah Valley University, sent shockwaves across the political and cultural landscape. The 31-year-old conservative activist’s death was not only a tragic loss but also underscored the depth of his influence among young conservatives nationwide.
Kirk, a well-known sports enthusiast, was publicly honored prior to the start of Thursday night’s NFL matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium in Western New York. The game, part of the prime-time “Thursday Night Football” slate, is broadcast on Amazon Prime, the streaming platform owned by Jeff Bezos.
While it remains unclear whether the tribute was included in the Amazon broadcast, several fans in attendance captured the moment and shared it online. The gesture highlighted the reach of Kirk’s influence beyond political circles, touching communities where sports, media, and politics intersect.
The Buffalo Bills, in acknowledging Kirk, offered fans a moment of reflection before kickoff, a rare intersection of athletic spectacle and public mourning that reflected the wide resonance of Kirk’s work and the shock of his untimely death.
Buffalo Bills Honor Charlie Kirk in Tribute Ahead of Arizona Funeral Service
The Buffalo Bills joined several other NFL teams in paying tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk during their Thursday night game, local NBC affiliate WGRZ-TV reported. The tribute came roughly 24 hours after a memorial gathering for Kirk at nearby Niagara Square.
Fans at the game were largely respectful and somber as the team honored Kirk. By the end of the night, however, the mood shifted dramatically, with attendees singing along to “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers—Buffalo’s victory anthem—after the Bills defeated the Miami Dolphins 31-21. The win improved Buffalo’s record to 3-0, leaving Miami winless at 0-3.
Despite the game’s results, much of the Week 3 NFL action is expected to be overshadowed by Kirk’s passing. The Thursday tribute preceded a massive funeral service planned for Sunday in Arizona, which is expected to draw prominent figures including former President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, both of whom were close to Kirk, with Vance reportedly sharing an especially strong bond.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children. Erika Kirk was recently named CEO and chair of the board at Turning Point USA.
