Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Donates $300,000 to Support Charlie Kirk’s Family, NFL Prepares Tributes as Week 3 Preseason Kicks Off with Chiefs vs. Bears

Pittsburgh, PA – September 12, 2025

The NFL community continues to reel from the shocking assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed during a community event earlier this week. Tributes have poured in from across politics, sports, and entertainment, reflecting the deep impression Kirk made as a public figure dedicated to fostering dialogue and unity despite polarizing views.

Amid the outpouring of grief, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has made a particularly heartfelt gesture, pledging a $300,000 donation to support Kirk’s family. The donation, according to sources close to the team, has been carefully structured to provide both immediate recognition of Kirk’s life and lasting financial security for his children.

Breakdown of the Donation

Rodgers’ $300,000 contribution has been divided into two parts:

• $125,000 allocated for public murals and floral memorials across Pittsburgh and Charlotte, two cities closely connected to Kirk’s initiatives. These public tributes aim to honor Kirk’s legacy and provide residents and fans with spaces to reflect and remember.
• $175,000 placed into a trust fund to secure the education and future stability of Kirk’s two young daughters. By ensuring that the children have access to educational opportunities and financial support, Rodgers emphasizes a long-term commitment to Kirk’s family that goes beyond mere symbolic gestures.

In a statement, Rodgers explained the personal significance behind the donation:

“This goes beyond football or politics. It’s about family, compassion, and being there when people are hurting. Erika and her daughters should know they are not alone in this fight.”

Rodgers’ action has resonated widely within the NFL community, where players and staff alike recognize the quarterback’s leadership both on and off the field. A teammate noted privately, “Aaron has always been vocal about leadership. This time, he let his actions do the talking.”

NFL Tributes in Kirk’s Honor

The NFL, in response to the tragedy, is preparing multiple tributes to honor Kirk’s life. Teams across the league are expected to observe moments of silence before games this weekend, signaling both mourning and solidarity. Pittsburgh, Kirk’s home base, has already planned several events, including the unveiling of murals funded by Rodgers’ contribution.

Discussions are also underway regarding the establishment of a legacy fund aimed at securing the long-term future of Kirk’s children. By institutionalizing support, the league hopes to create a framework that extends beyond a single donation, offering ongoing educational and financial resources.

Rodgers’ History of Philanthropy and Leadership

Aaron Rodgers, the seven-time Pro Bowl quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is no stranger to charitable initiatives. Over the years, he has contributed to numerous programs supporting education, youth sports, and community development. However, his involvement in Kirk’s case is particularly noteworthy, given the politically sensitive nature of the assassination and the divisive reactions it has sparked nationwide.

Rodgers has consistently used his platform to advocate for leadership and social responsibility. Analysts argue that his actions in this instance demonstrate a unique blend of empathy and pragmatism: while words can express solidarity, Rodgers’ financial contribution tangibly safeguards the well-being of Kirk’s immediate family.

Chiefs vs. Bears: NFL Week 3 Preseason Spotlight

While the league continues to navigate these emotionally charged developments, the football season itself marches forward. Week 3 of the NFL preseason features a marquee matchup: the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Chicago Bears. Fans eager to watch can tune in on several platforms:

• Time: The game kicks off at 7:30 PM Eastern Time.
• TV Schedule: In the United States, the game will air live on CBS and NBC Sports Network, with pregame analysis beginning at 7:00 PM.
• Live Stream: Viewers can stream the game live via NFL Game Pass, as well as through CBS All Access and NBC Sports’ streaming platforms.

This matchup is particularly significant for both teams as coaches evaluate new talent and finalize strategies ahead of the regular season. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, are looking to fine-tune their offensive line and test rookie receivers, while the Bears aim to solidify quarterback Justin Fields’ chemistry with the receiving corps.

The Human Dimension: Mourning and Moving Forward

Despite the excitement surrounding NFL preseason action, the shadow of Kirk’s assassination looms large. Within the Steelers organization, Rodgers’ donation has been both a unifying gesture and a reminder of the importance of empathy and responsibility.

Fans and analysts alike have praised Rodgers for stepping beyond partisan divides, focusing instead on the fundamental human element: supporting a family in crisis. Social media has been abuzz with reactions, with hashtags like #SupportCharlieKirk and #AaronRodgersRocks trending alongside preseason coverage. Many commentators have framed Rodgers’ action as a model for how athletes can wield influence beyond sports, demonstrating leadership through tangible support for their communities.

Broader Implications for the NFL

The league’s response to Kirk’s death and Rodgers’ donation highlights a growing trend in professional sports: the intersection of athletics, civic engagement, and social responsibility. While football games entertain millions, the NFL increasingly serves as a platform where players and teams can set moral examples, address societal issues, and provide tangible support in times of crisis.

By funding murals, floral tributes, and a trust fund for Kirk’s daughters, Rodgers underscores the idea that athletes can have an enduring impact off the field. Analysts suggest that this gesture could inspire similar initiatives across the league, fostering a culture of empathy, community investment, and cross-partisan support.

Community Reaction

Local communities in Pittsburgh and Charlotte have already expressed gratitude for Rodgers’ contribution. Residents and business owners in both cities are preparing spaces for murals and memorials, emphasizing art and reflection as tools for communal healing.

Erika Kirk, in her first public comment since the tragedy, thanked Rodgers personally. “We are deeply moved by Aaron’s generosity. It is comforting to know that in a time of unimaginable loss, we are not alone. His support will ensure our daughters can continue to thrive despite this tragedy.”

Looking Ahead

As the NFL Week 3 preseason unfolds, the focus on Chiefs vs. Bears will offer fans exciting football action, but the league’s broader narrative remains intertwined with human stories like that of Charlie Kirk’s family. Moments of silence, charitable initiatives, and communal memorials all serve as reminders that sports exist within a larger societal context.

Aaron Rodgers’ $300,000 donation stands as both a tribute and a blueprint: a way for athletes to channel influence into meaningful action, to bridge divides, and to demonstrate that compassion transcends partisan lines.

Whether through murals in the heart of Pittsburgh, educational trust funds for Kirk’s children, or moments of reflection before Sunday games, Rodgers’ gesture ensures that Charlie Kirk’s legacy will be honored in a deeply personal and enduring way.

As the Steelers prepare for the remainder of preseason, and as fans tune in to watch the Chiefs and Bears, the NFL community continues to show that even amid tragedy, solidarity, compassion, and action remain at the forefront.