Former NFL and USC running back Joe McKnight was killed during an apparent road rage incident just outside New Orleans on Thursday.
via USA Today:
McKnight, 28, was a fourth-round pick of the New York Jets in the 2010 draft and played in the NFL with the Jets and Kansas City Chiefs as a running back and return specialist. He played in the Canadian Football League this season with the Edmonton Eskimos and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Jefferson Parish (La.) colonel John Fortunato told USA TODAY Sports that McKnight was pronounced dead at the scene following an incident that occurred at approximately 2:43 p.m. at the intersection of Behrman Highway and Holmes Boulevard in Terrytown, La.
Fortunato said the incident was being investigated as a possible road rage occurrence after McKnight exited his vehicle and subsequently was shot multiple times. The suspect, a 54-year-old Ronald Gasser, had remained at the scene and is in custody.
McKnight’s lone NFL start at running back came in the final game of the 2010 regular season, and he rushed for 158 yards.
He eventually made his mark as a special-teamer and was named to the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Pro team as a kick returner in 2011. McKnight returned a kickoff for a touchdown that season and also blocked a punt.
He also caught two touchdowns with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014, his last year with the team and in the NFL.
“Joe McKnight was a loving father and a genuine, kind-hearted person,” the Jets wrote in a statement. “It is sad when life is taken in what appears to be such a senseless act of violence. Joe, you will be missed.”
So sad.
