'Oh My God': Stephen A. Smith Has Awkward Charlie Kirk Mixup

dailycaller.com

During Tuesday’s edition of ESPN’s “First Take,” host Stephen A. Smith briefly mixed up Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk with late conservative icon Charlie Kirk while praising the former’s standout performance.

While recapping the Texans’ dominant 30-6 playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith accidentally said, “We saw Charlie Kirk catch eight receptions for 144 yards.”

He was corrected by his co-host almost immediately, triggering an apology from Smith.

“I apologize. Oh my God. Christian Kirk,” said Smith.

Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically assassinated in Sept. 2025 during an outdoor campus debate event organized by TPUSA.

Christian Kirk delivered his finest game of the season precisely when the Texans needed a spark the most. Throughout the regular season, he never exceeded four receptions or 64 receiving yards in any single contest, which made his playoff explosion all the more impressive.

Kirk led the team with eight catches for 144 yards and one touchdown in the win over Pittsburgh.

Houston will be counting on another strong showing from Kirk in the divisional round, especially since star wide receiver Nico Collins exited Monday’s game with a concussion. In 15 regular-season appearances, the two-time Pro Bowler Collins tallied 71 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns. (RELATED: Eagles Nix OC Kevin Patullo After Disastrous Exit From NFL Playoffs)

Collins has developed excellent chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud. Should he be unable to pass concussion protocol in time for Sunday’s matchup against the New England Patriots, it would represent a significant blow to the Texans‘ offense.

In that scenario, Stroud would lean heavily on Kirk, along with wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson, as well as tight end Dalton Schultz.

The No. 5 seed Texans are scheduled to face the No. 2 seed New England Patriots this Sunday. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET.