Stephen A. Smith Apologizes After Bizarre Charlie Kirk Blunder

While reviewing Houstons emphatic 30-6 wild-card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith mistakenly declared, We saw Charlie Kirk catch eight receptions for 144 yards. According to the Daily Caller, his co-host immediately corrected the error, prompting Smith to walk it back on air.

I apologize. Oh my God. Christian Kirk, Smith responded, quickly clarifying the mix-up between the NFL standout and the slain conservative leader. Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically assassinated in Sept. 2025 during an outdoor campus debate event organized by TPUSA, a killing that shocked many on the right who saw him as a powerful voice for young conservatives.

January 14, 2026

On the field, Christian Kirk delivered his most impactful performance of the season precisely when the Texans needed it most, after a regular season in which he never surpassed four receptions or 64 receiving yards in a single game. In the rout of Pittsburgh, he led Houstons offense with eight catches for 144 yards and one touchdown, emerging as C.J. Strouds primary weapon.

Houston will likely need a repeat effort from Kirk in the divisional round, with star wideout Nico Collins in concussion protocol after exiting Mondays game. Collins, a two-time Pro Bowler, posted 71 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns in 15 regular-season appearances, developing strong chemistry with Stroud that has been central to the Texans resurgence.

If Collins cannot clear protocol before Sundays matchup with the New England Patriots, it would be a significant setback for Houstons offense and its vertical passing attack. In that case, Stroud will be expected to lean heavily on Kirk, fellow receivers Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson, and tight end Dalton Schultz as the No. 5 seed Texans prepare to challenge the No. 2 seed Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.