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Stephen A. Smith mistakenly referred to Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk as Charlie Kirk on Tuesday.
Smith was talking about Kirk’s big game in the Texans’ 30-6 playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on ESPN’s “First Take” when he had a slip of the tongue.
“We saw Charlie Kirk catch eight receptions for 144 yards,” Smith said.
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Stephen A. Smith speaks on stage during the HOPE 2025 Global Forum at Signia by Hilton Atlanta in Atlanta, December 2, 2025. (By Griffin/Getty Images)
He was quickly corrected and immediately apologized. “I apologize. Oh my God. Christian Kirk.”
Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September 2025 while speaking at an outdoor campus debate planned by Turning Point USA.
Christian Kirk delivered his best performance of the season when the Texans needed it most. Kirk hadn’t had more than four receptions or 64 yards in a game during the regular season, making his performance in the playoffs stand out.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) dives into the end zone for a touchdown while defended by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during the first half of a wild-card playoff game in Pittsburgh on Monday, January 12, 2026. (Justin Berl/AP Photo)
Kirk’s eight catches for 144 yards and a receiving touchdown all led the team.
The Texans will look for Kirk to step up again next week as the team could be without top receiver Nico Collins, who left the game with a concussion. In 15 games this season, Collins has 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns.
The two-time Pro Bowler has built a strong relationship with quarterback CJ Stroud, and if he can’t clear the concussion protocol before the team’s game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, it would be a big loss.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) celebrates with wide receiver Nico Collins (12) after a touchdown during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh on Monday, January 12, 2026. (Justin Berl/AP Photo)
Stroud would lean heavily on Kirk, receivers Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson and tight end Dalton Schultz if Collins can’t punt.
The No. 5 seed Texans will face the No. 2 seed New England Patriots on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
