
The Chirp: Joe McKnight (1988–2016)
Former New York Jets running back Joe McKnight was shot and killed on Thursday afternoon in the New Orleans suburb of Terrytown. A standout rusher at nearby John Curtis Christian High, McKnight, 28, went on to star at USC before being selected by the Jets in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL draft. Despite his abbreviated pro career, which ended abruptly in ’14 after he suffered an Achilles injury, McKnight was widely considered to be one of the finest football talents ever to come out of the state of Louisiana.
Several members of the pro and college football communities took to social media to express their grief over McKnight’s untimely death.
Everybody in the world wanted to be @ReggieBush , us in New Orleans wanted to run the ball like Joe McKnight.
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) December 1, 2016
RIP my brother Joe McKnight this one hurts bad
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) December 1, 2016
RIP Joe pic.twitter.com/lpDjfNb128
— Brian Cushing (@briancushing56) December 1, 2016
Deeply saddened by the loss of Joe McKnight. This is a terrible tragedy. Everyone loved Joe and we are going to really miss him.
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) December 2, 2016
Just got a message saying my former teammate Joe McKnight was killed today. This hurt to the heart. I can't stop crying. #RestInPeace
— ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) December 1, 2016
RIP to a SC legend ! Joe McKnight ?? https://t.co/7pa3iaaBGN
— Adoree' Jackson (@AdoreeKnows) December 1, 2016
RIP Joe McKnight! Live life and love Hard!! Life is so short!! ??????
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) December 1, 2016
Senseless violence took another one of our @NFL brothers. SMH. Praying for his family and loved ones! ??#RIPJoeMcKnight #WeNeedChange
— Patrick Peterson /P2 (@P2) December 1, 2016
Heart hurts to hear about Joe McKnight. Prayers and condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in heaven brother #RIP #StopTheViolence
— Mark Ingram II (@markingram21) December 1, 2016
I am deeply saddened by the senseless passing of Joe McKnight today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Coach Ed Orgeron (@Coach_EdOrgeron) December 1, 2016
Just woke up to hear some disturbing news. My condolences goes out to Joe McKnight. #RestInPeace #jetfamily pic.twitter.com/GHkBtK9HMN
— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) December 2, 2016
Rest in peace, Joe McKnight.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 1, 2016
Our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/vtEihPomt9
Sad news about Joe McKnight #rih #endsenselessviolence
— Beanie Wells (@BeanieWells26) December 1, 2016
RIP Joe Mcknight.. he was a really cool guy! U will be missed brother ??
— Ron Parker (@ghost_0836) December 1, 2016
Shedding a few wondering what's wrong with this world man?? R.I.P. Joe McKnight. Just senseless ???
— Kenyan Drake™ (@KDx32) December 1, 2016
RIP Joe McKnight and condolences to his family.. sad news
— jairus byrd (@jairusbyrd) December 1, 2016
RIP Joe McKnight! Something has to change this ain't righ, his family is in my prayers. #StopTheViolence
— Todd Gurley II (@TG3II) December 1, 2016
This is just ridiculous smh it needs to stop! My condolences to Joe McKnight's family ????
— LeGarrette Blount (@LG_Blount) December 1, 2016
Rest In Peace to my bro Joe McKnight...this is unbelievable. Fly with the angels bro and rest in paradise. Heaven gained a real one today.
— Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) December 1, 2016
Saddens me to hear the news about Joe McKnight. Our prayers go out to the McKnight family.
— Clay Helton (@USCCoachHelton) December 1, 2016
RIP to former Trojan and NY Jet, Joe McKnight. Man this s--- has got to STOP
— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) December 1, 2016
Can't believe my boy gone S.I.P Joe McKnight
— Muhammad Wilkerson (@mowilkerson) December 1, 2016