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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 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers during ESPN’s “First Take” when he slipped up.
“We saw Charlie Kirk catch eight catches for 144 yards,” Smith said.
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Stephen A. Smith speaks on stage at the HOPE 2025 Global Forum at Signia by Hilton Atlanta in Atlanta on December 2, 2025. (For Griffin/Getty Images)
He was quickly corrected and quickly apologized. “I apologize. Oh my God. Christian Kirk.”
Charlie Kirk was murdered in September 2025 while speaking at an outdoor campus debate planned by Turning Point USA.
Christian Kirk had his best performance of the season when the Texans needed him most. Kirk had not had more than four receptions or 64 yards in a game during the entire regular season, making his playoff performance stand out.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) dives into the end zone for a touchdown while being defended by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during the first half of a wild card playoff game in Pittsburgh on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Berl/AP Photo)
Kirk’s eight receptions for 144 yards and one receiving touchdown led the team.
The Texans will look for Kirk to step up again next week because the team could be without wide receiver Nico Collins, who left the game with a concussion. In 15 games this season, Collins had 71 receptions 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 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, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Berl/AP Photo)
Stroud would rely heavily on Kirk, wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson and tight end Dalton Schultz if Collins can’t punt.
The No. 5 seed Texans face the No. 2 seed New England Patriots on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
