Joe McKnight, who played for both the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs, was killed Thursday in Terrytown, Louisiana, in an apparent road rage incident. He was 28.
The Jets confirmed the news, writing on their official Twitter account, “Rest in peace, Joe McKnight. Our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones.”
According to the New Orleans Time-Picayune, a witness observed McKnight arguing with another man at the intersection of Behrman Highway and Holmes Boulevard in Terrytown. She said McKnight was trying to apologize to the man when the man drew a gun and shot McKnight multiple times.
The shooter then allegedly stood over McKnight and said, “I told you, don’t you f— with me” before firing again.
The shooter is currently in custody and is being questioned by New Orleans authorities.
A New Orleans native, McKnight was a high school football standout who was recruited to play running back for the University of Southern California beginning in 2007. He entered the NFL Draft in 2010, being selected in the fourth round by the Jets.
McKnight’s pro career proved to be less illustrious. He failed the Jets’ conditioning test in 2013 during training camp, per ESPN, which he blamed on dehydration. He was then arrested for outstanding traffic violations and missed practices due to what he later called a concussion. He also got into a Twitter battle with a fan in which he challenged the fan to a fight.
McKnight was released by the Jets in 2013, signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014. He played two games for the team and scored two touchdowns before tearing his Achilles tendon. He went on to play for the Canadian Football League and is still listed as an active player on the roster of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
9 Reasons Why NFL TV Ratings Might Be Down This Year (Photos)
After years of ratings dominance, viewing of NFL games on TV this season is down by 12 percent. But why? Click on to see some possible reasons.
Donald Trump The GOP nominee has impacted everything else, so why not football? Fans have understandably had a hard time paying attention to the game during this crazy White House campaign.
Peyton Manning The legendary QB has retired, depriving the NFL of one of its most recognizable faces.
Chicago Cubs Yep, as Cubs fan Bill Murray knows, the baseball team's fantasy journey from perennial losers to the World Series has been this fall's Cinderella story. Kinda makes football look puny in comparison.
Colin Kaepernick His principled refusal to stand for the national anthem has turned into a cause celebre that has polarized fans and generated bad PR for the NFL.
Thursday Night Football Hey, who (aside from New Englanders) wants to see the Patriots score a 27-0 blowout against the Texans? Didn't think so. Hardcore fans are complaining about the lousy match-ups on this season's schedule.
Ray Rice He may not play anymore, but the former running back is the symbol of ongoing domestic-violence scandals that have soured many fans on the sport.
NFL RedZone A lot of fans have gotten hooked on the special NFL-owned, game-day exclusive RedZone channel, hosted by Hanson. Unfortunately, that might mean lower ratings for broadcast partners.
Brett Favre Fan concern has steadily increased about the health effects on pros who took repeated hard hits during their career. Former QB Favre even said that his occasional memory lapses scared him and convinced him not to come out of retirement again. The worry has led to special game rules that some fans say has made the games boring.
Roger Goodell He may be "the most powerful man in sports," but the NFL commissioner has taken a lot of flak lately over issues from domestic violence to Deflategate - including from league owners, three of whom told The Daily Caller this year that it was time for a replacement.
