A number of fans from Penn State’s football community were spotted donning Charlie Kirk’s “FREEDOM” T-shirts during Saturday night’s matchup against Oregon.
Images and clips showcasing the students wearing the shirts quickly gained traction on social media.
Oregon, which was Kirk’s favored college football team, ultimately secured a thrilling 30-24 victory over Penn State. Oregon’s defensive back Dylan Thieneman intercepted a game-winning pass in overtime, ensuring that Kirk’s beloved team triumphed before a crowd of supporters clad in his signature apparel.
Conservative figure Benny Johnson coordinated a giveaway event that distributed 5,000 shirts to fans in the Beaver Stadium parking lot before the game.
Earlier on Saturday, Johnson shared footage depicting a long line of fans waiting for their shirts, which wrapped around several sections of the parking area, accompanied by cheers as he commented on the turnout.
A spirited chant of “USA!” resonated through the crowd.
Turning Point USA (TPUSA) publicized its initiative to distribute 5,000 T-shirts to attendees of the Oregon vs. Penn State game at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania.
Kirk had worn the now-famous shirt during a Sept. 10 event at Utah Valley University when a tragic shooting occurred, leading to the death of the 31-year-old husband and father of two. The nation has mourned the loss, and TPUSA remains committed to continuing Kirk’s meaningful work.
“In honor of Charlie Kirk, we will engage in cultural battles and strive for victory in a domain that he held dear — college football,” Johnson declared on Thursday’s episode of “Will Cain Country.”
“Turning Point USA will be distributing 5,000 Charlie Kirk freedom shirts at this pivotal game featuring Penn State and the Oregon Ducks. This was an event that Charlie Kirk planned to attend. He had a deep affection for Oregon, but he also had a strong following at Penn State and had hosted numerous successful events there,” Johnson added.
Johnson, holding a “freedom” shirt identical to the one Kirk wore at the time of his passing, noted the game was a whiteout — a beloved Penn State tradition where fans dress entirely in white.
Since September’s tragic event, Kirk has been honored at significant football events.
Oregon football head coach Dan Lanning previously expressed sympathies for Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two children after his team achieved a 34-14 victory over Northwestern earlier in the month.
Reflecting on the broader cultural climate in the U.S., Lanning urged Americans to take cues from his own locker room. He emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “There’s a lot we can learn from the diversity in our team.”
“You walk into that locker room, and you see individuals from various races and backgrounds with a common bond — mutual respect and love. Despite our differences, there is a strong sense of community. I believe our country could benefit from that mindset,” Lanning remarked.
“I recently discovered that Charlie Kirk was an Oregon supporter, and it saddens me for his wife, Erika, and their children. Such acts of evil should have no place in our society. It was challenging to explain the situation to my kids, and it’s disheartening that they see media reports about it,” Lanning recounted.
“Every day, it seems we confront some form of violence in our nation. Every life matters, and it feels like we are losing sight of that reality. I just wish the world could adopt a little of what we experience in our locker room, where everyone comes together, despite our distinctions,” he added.
