In an effort to shine light on Christian Kirk’s career night in Houston’s playoff win, Stephen A. Smith accidentally confused the Texans’ wide receiver with Charlie Kirk, a conservative political commentator who was assassinated last September.
During Tuesday morning’s airing of First Take, the following interaction happened:
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STEPHEN A. SMITH: “That’s what we saw. We saw Charlie Kirk catch eight receptions for 144 yards.”
FIRST TAKE COHOST SHAE CORNETTE: “Christian Kirk.”
STEPHEN A. SMITH: “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I apologize. Oh my God. Chistian Kirk.”
"We saw Charlie Kirk catch 8 receptions for 144 yards…I apologize. Oh my God. Christian Kirk" – Stephen A. Smith pic.twitter.com/PPQXMjXFEr
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 13, 2026
The moment has generated engagement on social media, with many football fans making light of the gaffe despite its association with a dark subject.
One fan even photoshopped Charlie Kirk’s face onto a touchdown graphic posted by the Texans celebrating Christian Kirk’s score last night.
— aertime (@AERTIME) January 13, 2026
Despite the slip-up, Smith’s stats for Christian Kirk were spot on.
He stepped up big for the Texans last night, leading the team in both catches and yards (eight receptions for 144 yards) and scoring the game’s lone touchdown through its first three quarters.
His performance was especially essential for Houston after star wideout Nico Collins went down with a concussion after hitting his head on the turf in the third quarter.
The Texans went onto beat the Steelers, 30-6. They will play the New England Patriots next Sunday in the Divisional Round.