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2016 Football In Memoriam: Remembering the Legends Lost

By Sayre Bedinger

Nov 5, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; A sign honoring former Nebraska Cornhuskers punter Sam Foltz (27) will greet players on their way to the field for the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; A sign honoring former Nebraska Cornhuskers punter Sam Foltz (27) will greet players on their way to the field for the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Reggie Bush (22) wears custom cleats honoring Southern California Trojans and New York Jets former running back Joe McKnight (not pictured) who was killed in a road rage shooting during a NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Reggie Bush (22) wears custom cleats honoring Southern California Trojans and New York Jets former running back Joe McKnight (not pictured) who was killed in a road rage shooting during a NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe McKnight: 1988-2016

Joe McKnight was an incredible playmaker at the University of Southern California before being drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

He made his mark on the NFL as a return specialist, where he racked up 2,339 total yards on returns and also made an impact as a running back and receiver. One of the most highly regarded prep prospects in his class, McKnight signed with USC and was immediately effective as an all-purpose player.

McKnight also spent time playing in the CFL for the Saskatchewan Roughriders before he was fatally shot in New Orleans, LA.

“Joe was a great teammate that did anything he could to help,” cornerback Darrelle Revis said in a statement provided by the Jets. “He had such a good heart and wanted nothing more than to see everyone succeed. It’s hard to come to grips with the reality that he is no longer with us. Joe had a very energetic personality, a very cool cat. He definitely put his best foot forward when he came to work, and he worked his butt off. He would tell jokes and be a prankster to some guys. I’ve seen him in action. That’s the kind of guy he was. He was a joy to be around.”

McKnight holds the New York Jets record for longest play with a 107-yard touchdown return against the Baltimore Ravens in October, 2011.

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