CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have fired a public relations employee for a social media post he made about the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Rock, who joined the team as a PR intern last year before being promoted to football communications coordinator, posted a video on his personal Instagram account that showed a Kirk speaking engagement with the caption, “Why are yall sad? Your man said it was worth it …,” along with a screenshot of the Wu-Tang Clan song, “Protect Ya Neck.”
A source briefed on the situation said Thursday that Rock is no longer with the organization.
The Panthers released a statement on X addressing Rock’s actions.
“The views expressed by our employees are their own and do not represent those of the Carolina Panthers,” the statement said. “We do not condone violence of any kind. We are taking this matter very seriously and have accordingly addressed it with the individual.”
The views expressed by our employees are their own and do not represent those of the Carolina Panthers. We do not condone violence of any kind. We are taking this matter very seriously and have accordingly addressed it with the individual.
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 11, 2025
Rock did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
(Photo: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)
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Joseph Person is a senior writer for The Athletic covering the Carolina Panthers. He has covered the team since 2010, previously for the Charlotte Observer. A native of Williamsport, Pa., Joe is a graduate of William & Mary, known for producing presidents and NFL head coaches. He was voted North Carolina’s Sportswriter of the Year in 2022 by the National Sports Media Association. Follow Joseph on Twitter @josephperson
