September 11 at the Packers’ home, Lambeau Field didn’t feel like just another Week 2 game. The NFL called for a pregame moment of silence for Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder, who was s–t dead the day before at Utah Valley University. The tribute landed on the 24th anniversary of 9/11, a day the league traditionally marks with anthems, ceremonies, and flyovers. But this one came with a twist.

Green Bay was asked to participate. The other 31 teams got to decide. Opt in or stay silent. The optics were immediate, stirring debate, speculation, and social media firestorms. Later, when the league was asked about their decision, the NFL confirmed it was their call to hold a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk before Thursday night’s game between the Commanders and Packers. For Week 2, though, the league made it clear the choice will be left to each team, meaning Sunday’s games could look a little different depending on the club.

But as per ProFootballTalk, “NFL directed the Packers to have a Thursday night moment of silent reflection regarding the assa—-tion of Charlie Kirk. For the remaining 15 games to be played in Week 2, it will be a club decision.” Why? Not disclosed yet. Perhaps because it was their home ground. Or perhaps, it would have been the first game after the tragedy, and hence, the Packers didn’t get a choice, but other teams did. Anyway, the Packers embraced the moment fully. Fans bowed their heads. Trumpet player Augie Haas delivered a haunting anthem. F-35 jets from the Wisconsin Air National Guard roared overhead. Meanwhile, 31 other teams made individual calls. Some paused. Some stayed silent.

NFL spokespeople noted that clubs often hold moments of silence for tragedies impacting local fanbases, school shootings, accidents, and acts of violence hitting their communities. But singling out Green Bay while leaving others to choose broke with league tradition, raising questions. Why them? Why now?

Historically, the NFL has coordinated tributes for tragedies, such as in Damar Hamlin, Kobe Bryant, helicopter crash victims, te—rist attacks, and natural disaster cases. Kirk’s tribute was different, isolated, politically charged, and attention-grabbing. It was deliberate, visible, and polarizing, a deviation from the uniform gestures fans have come to expect.

Other sports paid tribute as well. The New York Yankees held a moment of silence before their game against the Detroit Tigers, with Trump in attendance. Kirk’s hometown Chicago Cubs followed on Friday, lowering the American flag to half-staff at Wrigley Field before facing the Tampa Bay Rays. Tyler Bowyer, COO of Turning Point USA, confirmed the Cubs wanted to honor Kirk, a lifelong fan.

President Donald Trump weighed in separately, announcing he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom and calling him a “champion of liberty.” On the other hand, for the Packers, the moment was solemn and visible. For the NFL, it became a lightning rod, a league spotlighting one team while giving 31 the power to choose.

NFL stars rumored to pledge support for Charlie Kirk’s children

Charlie Kirk’s shocking assa—-tion at Utah Valley University on Wednesday has sent shockwaves across the nation. Almost immediately, rumors began swirling online that NFL stars were stepping in to support his family. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson quickly became the focus of the viral chatter.

“Shortly after Charlie Kirk’s death, Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes stepped in, pledging to pay all of Kirk’s two children’s living and education expenses. This action not only eased the burden on Kirk’s family during this time of grief but also caused a stir on social media,” wrote James Hirsen on X, formerly Twitter. Another claimed that Mahomes has called on all NFL teams to pause their games for a minute to honor Charlie Kirk.

Similar rumors swirled around Justin Jefferson, suggesting he, too, would step in for Kirk’s children. Fans shared the posts widely, creating an emotional narrative of heroism in the wake of tragedy. Outrage, admiration, and hope spread across social media in minutes, amplifying the story far beyond reality.

The truth is stark. Mahomes has not issued any public statement, and Jefferson has remained silent. The Chiefs and Vikings confirm nothing. These narratives exist only online, fueled by grief, speculation, and the lightning speed of social media.

Charlie Kirk’s death is sad. His family’s grief is real. But the stories of Patrick Mahomes and Justin Jefferson stepping in? For now, they are digital rumors in a grieving nation.