After the Bengals skipped a moment of silence honoring Charlie Kirk, it was time to watch which team honored the late political influencer and which team snubbed him on Monday. Among the teams, the Houston Texans’ strategic decision to bypass a tribute to the 31-year-old didn’t go unnoticed by the supporters.
The memorial for Charlie Kirk at the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sept. 11, 2025.
The memorial for Charlie Kirk at the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sept. 11, 2025.
The franchise found themselves in the crosshairs of angry fans after their generic tribute during the pregame ceremony fell short of honoring Kirk. While other NFL teams across Week 2 held specific arrangements for the conservative activist, the Texans opted for a broader approach that satisfied neither side of the political spectrum.
And, not surprisingly, the franchise is now dealing with bad blood from its fan base.
Texans Fans Slam Organization Over Charlie Kirk Tribute Snub
Roughly 30 minutes before kickoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium, the Texans tried to put them in the list of those teams who arranged a moment of silence. But they did it in an interesting fashion, delivering a sanitized message where listeners found no Kirk name at all.
7 NFL teams chose not to honor Charlie Kirk with a moment of silence this weekend:
– Detroit Lions
– Indianapolis Colts
– Cincinnati Bengals
– Baltimore Ravens
– Minnesota Vikings
– Houston Texans
– Las Vegas Raiders
Every one of these teams honored George Floyd back in 2020…
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) September 16, 2025
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are asking all families to join us in a moment of silence to honor all the victims of violence and natural disasters across the country. It’s our hope that together, we condemn all forms of violence. Thank you,” the P.A. announcer said before MNF.
In trying to avoid controversy, they created a new one. It felt like a personal betrayal to many supporters. So, Texans would go on to lose for sure because fans had already started blasting them. Most viewed the move as an intentional dodge from the politically charged situation.
“The @HoustonTexans refused to honor Charlie Kirk… Cowards. Guess it’s time for me to find another NFL team. Or quit watching entirely,”wroteone furious supporter.
Sports commentator Jonny Root even weighed in on the controversy, simplystating, “What a disgrace,” in response to the Texans’ decision to snub late Kirk from the pregame honor.
Instead of honoring Charlie Kirk during Monday Night Football, the Houston Texans held a moment of silence “to honor all the victims of violence and natural disasters across the country”…
What a disgrace. pic.twitter.com/2QPtyzqiev
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) September 16, 2025
The geographic loyalty that typically binds fans to their teams started cracking. “Disgusted and disappointed they did not have a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk… Houston has become a disappointment. Ready to move,”wroteanother longtime supporter.
“Pathetic showing from the Texans… Hell even Jerry F’n Jones gave a moment of silence for Charlie. What a piss poor organization,” a fourthwrote, referencing the Dallas Cowboys’ decision to honor Kirk explicitly.
However, a small minority supported the Texans’ approach. “Proud to say that you can add the Houston Texans who chose not to ‘honor’ a political podcaster and force fake empathy by everyone in attendance,” one X usershared, suggesting the franchise made the right call in avoiding what they viewed as forced political theater.
Following the backlash. Texans defended their move, saying that they “did not think it was appropriate to single any of them out and minimize the others that have occurred.” However, fans are mad, and they are in no mood to be convinced by such an excuse.