Three-star linebacker Noah Knigga announced his verbal commitment to Eastern Michigan University on Friday, choosing them over West Virginia and Arkansas State.
Immediately, thoughts and prayers were sent out to the University’s broadcasters.
RIP Eastern Michigan broadcasters https://t.co/OIuJLKryJx
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) June 14, 2024
Knigga, well aware of the complexities of his name, sought to clarify the pronunciation back in January during an interview with retired NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III.
“This is how you pronounce it. It’s Noah Ka-nay-guh,” he said.
“For some people it might ruin the name, I don’t think it ruins the name at all,” Griffin said. “I think you should get a couple T-shirts that say ‘Knigga Please.’ I think it would be hilarious.”
Knigga went viral around the same time as his Griffin interview after announcing plans for a recruiting visit to West Virginia just days earlier. Unsurprisingly, social media had a field day with his name.
His amusing (unfortunate?) name aside, Knigga is a quality multi-sport athlete. He was a Class 3A Junior All-State selection in 2023, finishing the season with 51 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles in just six games.
Knigga was also recently named to the Indiana Football Digest Prime Time 25 list, which recognizes him as one of the best players in the state.
