Within days of Charlie Kirk’s death, false posts attributing statements to NFL players began circulating widely. On social media, users claimed Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud made a public statement.
“It’s heartbreaking to see America lose such an important voice. My deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. This is not only their loss, but a reminder of the need for us to come together, respect each other, and stand up for the values we share in this country,” among other sentiments.
UNPRECEDENTED IN TEXANS HISTORY: CJ Stroud wants the team and the entire NFL to observe a moment of silence in memory of Charlie Kirk. “It's heartbreaking to see America lose such an important voice,” Stroud said. “My deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. This is not… pic.twitter.com/CkWYTp7yI7
— Texas 🇺🇸 (@MustangMan_TX) September 11, 2025
Similar rumors alleged that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson promised to cover Kirk’s children’s expenses. Neither Stroud nor Jefferson made those claims, but the fake messages spread rapidly. (viaHouston Chronicle)
C.J. Stroud, Justin Jefferson Dragged Into Viral Charlie Kirk Misinformation
Sep 17, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) walks across the field prior to the NCAA Division I football game against the Toledo Rockets at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch Ncaa Football Toledo Rockets At Ohio State Buckeyes
Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) warms up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The genesis of the Stroud rumor can be traced to a Facebook page for fabricating sports-related content. The site posted a quote falsely attributed to Stroud, asserting condolences and calling for national unity after Kirk’s death. NBC’sHouston Chronicle confirms Stroud never made such a statement.
Justin Jefferson’s name was also dragged into the rumor mill. A fabricated post claimed he vowed to pay for Kirk’s children’s expenses. That too is verified false.
These posts were picked up and amplified. In Stroud’s case, Texas Governor Greg Abbott retweeted the quote, later removing it once alerted that the attribution was fake.
Public response has been swift. Many fans voiced disgust at the spread of misinformation. Some expressed frustration at how quickly false content is taken as truth when it names high-profile athletes.
I think I just found my new favorite quarterback. I also appreciate Lamar Jackson for saying something Justin Jefferson for saying something. It’s important that any star athlete comes out supporting Charlie Kirk. It’s even more so important that black athletes come out and…
— Agent X (@MI_Agent_X) September 11, 2025
At the same time, real responses to Kirk’s death have involved more than rumors. A fundraiser on GiveSendGo organized by Tucker Carlson’s ALP reportedly raised over $4.7 million for Erika Kirk and her two children in the days immediately after his death. Thousands have also attended vigils, and multiple NFL teams held moments of silence to honor Kirk.
How a Fabricated Quote About Charlie Kirk Exposed the NFL’s Misinformation Problem
This episode reveals how rapidly misinformation can hijack athletes’ names. Stroud and Jefferson are among many public figures who are misused as authority figures or moral voices, and they never opt into this.
It also shows the risk of high-profile individuals sharing unverified content. Even reputable leaders like Gov. Abbott retweeted the false Stroud quote before catching the mistake.
The challenge is greater for the NFL community: fans expect reactions, and silence is often filled with unchecked rumors. The spread in this case illustrates how tragedy can be distorted online.
While emotional and compelling, that phrase is part of a quote that was entirely fabricated and attributed to C.J. Stroud without any basis. The misinformation storm underscores the necessity of verifying sources before accepting or sharing content, especially when it appears “heartfelt.”