Stephen A. Smith’s Slip-Up Regarding Christian Kirk

On Tuesday, Stephen A. Smith made an error while discussing Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk on ESPN’s “First Take.” During a segment on Kirk’s impressive performance in the Texans’ 30-6 playoff win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he mistakenly referred to Kirk as “Charlie Kirk.”

“We saw Charlie Kirk catch eight receptions for 144 yards,” Smith said before he was quickly corrected. Apologizing right away, he exclaimed, “I’m sorry. Oh my god. Christian Kirk.”

It’s worth noting that Charlie Kirk was tragically assassinated in September 2025 during an outdoor event organized by Turning Point USA.

Back to the game, Christian Kirk had a standout day when it mattered most. Until this performance, his peak in the regular season had been four receptions and 64 yards in a single game, making his playoff showing particularly remarkable.

In that match, he made eight catches for 144 yards and one touchdown, leading his team significantly.

Now, the Texans face a challenge moving forward, as they may be missing their top wide receiver Nico Collins, who exited the game with a concussion. Collins was crucial this season, playing 15 games with 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns.

If Collins can’t return, quarterback C.J. Stroud will need to depend more on Kirk, along with wide receivers Jaden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson, plus tight end Dalton Schultz.

Looking ahead, the fifth-seeded Texans are set to play against the second-seeded New England Patriots this Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.