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Stephen A. Smith mistakenly referred to Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk as Charlie Kirk Tuesday.
Smith talked about Kirk’s big game in the Texans’ 30-6 playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on ESPN’s “First Take” when he suffered a cavity.
“We saw Charlie Kirk catch eight receptions for 144 yards,” Smith said.
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Stephen A. Smith speaks on stage at the 2025 HOPE Global Forum at the Signia by Hilton Atlanta in Atlanta on December 2, 2025. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
He was quickly corrected and promptly apologized. “I apologize. Oh my God. Christian Kirk.”
Charlie Kirk was murdered in September 2025 while speaking at an outdoor campus debate organized by Turning Point USA.
Christian Kirk had 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 all 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, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Photo: Justin Berl/AP)
Kirk’s eight catches for 144 yards and one receiving touchdown all led the team.
The Texans will look for Kirk to step up again next week because the team could be without top wide receiver Nico Collins, who left the game with a concussion. In 15 games this season, Collins had 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 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 in the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Photo: Justin Berl/AP)
Stroud would rely heavily on Kirk, wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson and tight end Dalton Schultz if Collins can’t make it.
The No. 5 seeded Texans take on the No. 2 seeded New England Patriots on Sunday at 3:30 PM ET.
