Former NFL running back Joe McKnight was shot and killed on Thursday in an apparent traffic dispute in Louisiana.
According to NOLA.com, a witness recalled a man standing in an intersection attempting to apologize (McKnight) while he was being yelled at by another man. Sheriff Newell Normand provided a few additional details.
Sheriff Newell Normand talks about fatal shooting of former NFL player Joe McKnight. @NOLAnews pic.twitter.com/8vqXpAJNTB
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 1, 2016
McKnight becomes the second former NFL player to lose his life in the New Orleans area this year as a result of what appears to be a road rage incident. Former Saints defensive end Will Smith was murdered in April. You can see details of that incident here.
As word began to spread, many in the football world took to social media to offer their thoughts and condolences.
Rest in peace, Joe McKnight.
Our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/vtEihPomt9
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 1, 2016
We’re saddened by the tragic death of Joe McKnight and extend our deepest condolences to Joe’s family, friends and the Riders organization
— Edmonton Eskimos (@EdmontonEsks) December 1, 2016
It is with deep sorrow that we have learned of the devastating news of the loss of Saskatchewan Roughriders player, Joe McKnight. pic.twitter.com/x7Q8zBr1iL
— Sask. Roughriders (@sskroughriders) December 2, 2016
Damn RIP Joe McKnight. Killed in his own city, #504Boys4Life
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) 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
Back in in 2011, we asked #JoeMcKnight who his best friend on the #Jets was and he said, "Everybody's my best friend." That was Joe.
— Eric Allen (@eallenjets) 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
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
R.I.P. Joe McKnight.. One of the reasons I wore number 4.. crazy world
— Keith Marshall (@Truthh4) December 1, 2016
RIP my brother Joe McKnight this one hurts bad
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) December 1, 2016
Fight On Forever in heaven big bro! #RIP #JoeMcKnight pic.twitter.com/DFf3iUttSA
— Su'a Cravens (@Sua_Cravens) December 1, 2016
R.I.P Joe, gon way too soon. One of the best guys and teammates I've ever known. Praying for his family ?? pic.twitter.com/nxQgp3xefS
— Jeff Allen (@JeffAllen71) 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 (@MarkIngram22) December 1, 2016
McKnight spent four seasons in the NFL, the first three with the Jets and the final one with the Chiefs. He finished his career with 505 rushing yards in 41 games. McKnight also spent time in the Canadian Football League with the Edmonton Eskimos and Saskatchewan Roughriders. McKnight was selected in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL draft after playing collegiate football at USC.
