All these teams were at the forefront of activism after the death of Floyd. Ravens headed an event of a National Day of Mourning. Players of the Bengals locked their arms as a protest against racial injustice. The Lions made declarations, held a series of family gatherings in honor of Floyd, and also commemorated his legacy in the community. The Colts went ahead a step further, through donations, official communications, and hosting Floyd-related outreach. Most prominently, the Vikings established scholarships in honor of Floyd, welcomed his family to opening day, and sponsored visits to the memorial by the team, during which several players attended, activities that infiltrated their culture throughout the 2020 season.
A makeshift memorial for George Floyd includes a mural, cards and flowers near the spot where he died while in police custody in Minneapolis. © Trevor Hughes / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Context: The Aftermath of George Floyd Riots
The protests that caused civil unrest following the death of Floyd caused historic destruction. Between May and early June 2020, Arson, looting, and vandalism resulted in an estimated $1-2 billion in insured property damage across the country, a record in the history of the United States of civil disorder.Over 22 individuals were killed, and 200 cities had curfews to restrain violence and chaos. Literally thousands of businesses, many of which are minority owned, were destroyed or damaged, and the long-term economic impact on the communities is still being felt.
$1 billion-plus riot damage is most expensive in insurance history https://t.co/edlbO0xsfH
— Axios (@axios) September 16, 2020
Charlie Kirk Shooting and Team Responses
September 10, 2025, marks the day a left-wing extremist assassinated Charlie Kirk, a vocal patriot, family man, and Christian. Even with the massive condemnation and mourning, the five teams mentioned above opted not to honor Kirk with a moment of silence, even though other teams did, which included the Cowboys, Dolphins, Jets, and Saints.The exclusion of the teams raised a lot of criticism, especially given that their efforts on Floyd had been so active and visible.
Charlie Kirk with wife and kids. Photo credits: Facebook
Also Read: “Ashamed and Appalled”: Cincinnati Bengals Fan Considers Boycott After Owner’s Remarks on Charlie Kirk’s Tragic Death
Fans and Critics Respond
Social media went berserk with social hypocrisy/selective empathy.Several called out the hypocrisy, saying that since Floyd, a man whose death sparked devastating riots which led to hours of tributes, then Charlie Kirk, who died of his convictions, deserved solemn recognition. Others urged the NFL and its teams to embrace uniformity and inclusiveness regardless of political affiliation.
Since the league has held on to its position that such tributes be left at the team’s discretion, the NFL teams are being challenged to address their unity, justice, and social memory. The answer is not only who will be honored in politically charged times, but can sports be a truly unbiased place in which people might reflect upon their own community?
Stephen Davis speaks during a candlelight vigil in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on Sept. 15, 2025.
——Charlie Kirk Memorial——
On September 21, Turning Point USA will host a tribute to Kirk at the sports stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The stadium is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL and can accommodate a maximum of 73,000 seats during events that have a high attendance. The Kirk Memorial is free but Turning point will be requesting people to book before hand since the seating will be first come first serve.
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