TOUGH NEWS: 49ers’ Brock Purdy shares how he explained Charlie Kirk to his kids — and why Charlie Kirk Day, the annual memorial, touches the hearts and leaves fans so emotional

When San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy took a seat in front of the microphones earlier this week, reporters expected him to discuss football—his team’s performance, the upcoming schedule, or perhaps his preparation for the next game. Instead, Purdy opened up about something far more personal and emotional: the way he has chosen to talk to his children about the late Charlie Kirk and the significance of “Charlie Kirk Day,” an annual remembrance that continues to stir emotions throughout the 49ers community and beyond.

Purdy, who has quickly grown into one of the franchise’s most recognizable faces, didn’t shy away from the topic. For him, Charlie Kirk’s story wasn’t just about politics, media, or controversy—it was about legacy, family, and the lessons parents want to pass down to their children.

“Explaining who Charlie Kirk was to my kids wasn’t easy,” Purdy admitted. “They’re young, and they don’t know much about the divisions or the debates that defined his public life. What I wanted them to understand was that Charlie Kirk was a man people deeply cared about—someone who stood for what he believed in, someone who left an impact. Whether you agreed with him or not, his presence was undeniable, and for many, his loss is deeply personal.”

For the 49ers quarterback, the heart of the conversation wasn’t about politics but about values. He explained to his children that memorial days like “Charlie Kirk Day” are important because they keep alive the memory of individuals who shaped lives and communities.

“Kids don’t remember dates the way adults do,” Purdy continued. “But they do remember stories. I told them about why so many people gather, why fans cry, why the stadium feels heavy with emotion on this day every year. It’s because they’re not just remembering a man—they’re remembering what he meant to them. That’s something I want my kids to feel and respect.”

The annual “Charlie Kirk Day” has become an unusual yet powerful tradition within certain corners of NFL fandom. While it is not officially tied to the league itself, it has resonated strongly among supporters, particularly within the San Francisco 49ers community. Each year, fans gather in both digital and physical spaces, sharing memories, tributes, and emotional reflections. Stadiums light up with banners and fans wear commemorative gear, creating an atmosphere that feels almost like a blend of a game day and a memorial service.

Purdy acknowledged how emotional the event can be not only for fans but also for players.

“When you’re on the field, you can sense it,” he said. “You can see the signs in the stands, you can hear the voices, and you feel the weight of it. As a player, you want to honor that. It’s not just about football anymore—it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself. That’s why Charlie Kirk Day touches people so deeply. It reminds us of humanity in the middle of all the competition.”

For some, Charlie Kirk’s life and work were polarizing. Purdy didn’t avoid this truth when speaking to his children.

“I told them not everyone saw him the same way. And that’s okay. Life isn’t about everyone agreeing. It’s about understanding that people leave marks in different ways, and sometimes those marks stir strong feelings. What matters is respecting the fact that someone meant so much to others that they’re remembered this way.”

Fans have expressed gratitude for Purdy’s openness, praising him for being willing to discuss a sensitive topic publicly. Social media lit up with messages after his press conference, many highlighting how refreshing it was to hear a professional athlete share such a personal perspective on legacy, family, and remembrance.

One fan wrote: “Brock Purdy isn’t just a QB—he’s a father teaching his kids about respect, memory, and compassion. That’s leadership off the field, and it’s why we love him even more.”

Another commented: “Charlie Kirk Day always gets me emotional, but hearing Purdy explain how he talks about it with his kids hit differently. It shows how much it really does touch lives.”

As the 49ers continue their season, Purdy knows the attention will soon swing back to touchdowns, passes, and playoff aspirations. But for now, his words stand as a reminder of the broader impact athletes can have when they step beyond the field and speak from the heart.

“Football is what I do,” Purdy concluded. “But being a dad is who I am. If I can help my kids—and maybe others—understand the importance of honoring people, of remembering and reflecting, then I feel like I’ve done something that lasts longer than the game.”

And in the end, that’s what “Charlie Kirk Day” has become: not just a date on the calendar, but a living, emotional reminder that the legacies people leave behind continue to touch hearts long after they’re gone.