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NFL The NFL said it was “the league’s decision” to hold a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk ahead of Thursday night’s game between the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers. It’s up to the clubs whether or not they will hold moments of silence during the Week 2 games on Sunday, the league said in a statement Friday. Advertisement “There have been a variety of moments of silence and tributes in-stadium and on-air in all games or a game immediately following events that rise to a national level, ” the NFL said in the statement. “Clubs also often hold moments following a tragic event that affects their community. “There have been moments following school shootings or an attack on a house of worship such as the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018. There also have been moments following major international incidents such as Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 and weather-related incidents such as major hurricanes and fires. This is in addition to honoring those in the NFL family from tributes to recently passed players or personnel, or a player such as Damar Hamlin in 2023. The NFL also honored, before Super Bowl LIV, NBA star Kobe Bryant and the other victims of the helicopter crash (Gianna Bryant, Sarah and Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, Ara Zobayan) and also Pro Football Hall of Famer Chris Doleman who passed that week. ” Kirk, a 31-year-old right-wing political activist, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. He founded Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization with more than 850 chapters across college campuses. He was also a friend and supporter of President Donald Trump. Kirk’s assassination came nearly two months after two Democratic lawmakers were shot in a politically motivated attack in Minnesota. State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in the June 14 incident, while State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were both wounded. Vance Boelter, 57, was later arrested and is awaiting trial on various state and federal charges, including murder. About 25 minutes before kickoff of the Commanders-Packers game at Lambeau Field, the in-stadium public address announcer said: “The National Football League asks that you please join us in a moment of silent reflection following the murder of Charlie Kirk. The NFL condemns all violence in our communities. It will take all of us to stop hate. Thank you. ” Advertisement The New York Yankees also honored Kirk with a moment of silence before their game against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night. Kirk’s death prompted reaction from many, including notable NFL figures like New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, former New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, former quarterback Tim Tebow, former punter and current analyst Pat Mc Afee and others. The NFL said Friday it has held similar moments “in just this calendar year. ” “Lift Every Voice and Sing has been performed at league events since 2020 following the murder of George Floyd and the events of the summer of 2020, including last Thursday during the Kickoff game in Philadelphia. It is also performed before the Super Bowl, ” the NFL said in the statement. “This summer before the Hall of Fame game in Canton, the league honored the victims and those impacted by the attack at 345 Park Avenue. During Week 18 games last season, the NFL honored the victims of the Bourbon Street terrorist attack. Also, that season the NFL held a moment to recognize those lost in the deadly crashes near Washington, D. C. and Philadelphia and also prior to the Vikings-Rams Wild Card game that was moved from LA to Arizona due to the wildfires. ” (Photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images) Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle Lauren Merola is a staff editor on the news/live team. Before joining The Athletic, she covered hockey and football as a staff writer for both the NHL and Athlon Sports. Based in New York, Lauren is a double graduate of the University of Southern California. Follow Lauren on Twitter @laurmerola