EUGENE, Ore. — Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed Sept. 10 during a college event in Utah, is being remembered not only for his political career but also for his deep passion for Oregon Ducks football.
A Lifelong Sports Enthusiast
Kirk, 31, grew up in Illinois, where he became a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs. But it was Oregon football that captured his heart later in life. According to his wife, Erika Kirk, the Ducks became one of his greatest sporting obsessions.
“My goodness, did he love the Oregon Ducks,” Erika said in a Sept. 12 statement to the nation. “He’d want me to say ‘Go Ducks,’ so I have to since they play on Saturday. So go Ducks.”
Building Life Around Ducks Football
Kirk’s enthusiasm wasn’t casual. Friends said he often scheduled events around Ducks game times, making sure he didn’t miss a kickoff.
Clay Travis, founder of Outkick, noted that Kirk attended Oregon’s dramatic 32–31 victory over Ohio State at Autzen Stadium in 2024, an experience he frequently described as one of his favorite sports memories.
On social media, Kirk often posted about the team, celebrating their wins and lamenting their losses with the fervor of a lifelong fan.
A Surprising Connection
Though Kirk never attended the University of Oregon, his attachment to the program ran deep. The reasons for his connection to the Ducks remain personal, but friends said he admired the team’s energy, competitiveness, and culture.
For many who followed his work, his love of Oregon football offered a glimpse of the man behind the public persona — a reminder that even amid heated political debates, he found joy in college sports.
Remembered by Fans and Family
As news of his death spread, many Ducks fans reflected on Kirk’s unlikely but passionate bond with their team. While his politics sparked controversy, his enthusiasm for Oregon football was genuine and widely acknowledged.
His wife’s heartfelt message underscored how central the Ducks were to his life. “He’d want me to cheer them on, and I know he’ll be watching in spirit,” Erika said.
A Passion That Endured
For Kirk, sports were more than a pastime — they were a way of connecting with others and celebrating moments of joy. His love for the Oregon Ducks remains one of the more personal parts of his legacy, remembered by those who knew him best.
As the Ducks prepare to take the field this weekend, fans across the country — including some who never expected to share common ground with Kirk — may find themselves echoing his familiar refrain: “Go Ducks.”
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