Super Bowl champion head coach Tony Dungy reflected on the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative influencer who was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University earlier this month. The service, held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, attracted thousands of mourners who gathered to honor Kirk’s life and legacy.
Speaking on OutKick’s ‘Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,’ Dungy emphasized the importance of focusing on Kirk’s character and faith rather than the political debates surrounding his assassination. ‘Take all of the politics out of it. Just say, “We’re gonna honor this man’s life. We’re gonna talk about what Christ would say and what He wants to see, and I thought that was done,”’ he said. While Dungy acknowledged the inevitability of political discourse, he praised the service for its commitment to spiritual reflection.
Erika Kirk, Charlie’s wife, took to the podium to share personal memories and express gratitude for the outpouring of support. Former President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk also delivered speeches at the event, though their words were met with a mix of admiration and skepticism from attendees. Dungy noted that the service aimed to balance honoring Kirk’s life with the broader cultural and political landscape.
The memorial also brought attention to the personal relationship between Kirk and Chicago Cubs rookie Matt Shaw. Shaw, who attended the service, had previously shared a photo with Kirk at Wrigley Field. Despite facing criticism from Mets commentators for leaving the team to attend the event, Shaw defended his decision, stating that his faith and connection to Kirk were central to his identity and success. ‘My connection with Charlie was through our [Christian] faith,’ Shaw explained, ‘And that’s something that drives me every day.’
The service underscored the national impact of Kirk’s assassination, with a wide array of figures from different backgrounds coming together to pay tribute. As discussions around the event continue, the memorial has become a symbol of both grief and the complex interplay of culture, politics, and faith in American society.