Ex-NFL player Joe McKnight killed after apologizing to man with road rage

This is a 2010 photo of Joe McKnight of the New York Jets NFL football team. This image reflects the New York Jets active roster as of Thursday, April 29, 2010 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Photo via NY Jets media relations

Former NFL player Joe McKnight is dead because a man with a gun wanted to prove a ridiculous point. According to the Times-Picayune, McKnight was driving on Berman Highway in Terrytown, Louisiana, when he made a driving error.

McKnight got out of his vehicle and a driver in another car got out and confronted him. The two soon began to exchange words as their argument became more intense. According to a female eyewitness, McKnight attempted to bring calm to the situation as the other man became more belligerent. McKnight decided to be the bigger man and apologized.


However, the irate man continued to yell at McKnight and pulled out a gun. He shot McKnight, who fell to the ground. The man shot McKnight two more times and yelled, “I told you don’t you f— with me,” while standing over his body.

McKnight was a standout football player while growing up in Kenner, Louisiana. He eventually enrolled at USC where he was known as “the next Reggie Bush.” After a scandal involving the use of a Land Rover SUV, McKnight’s career was derailed at USC and he eventually submitted his name to the NFL Draft.


He was drafted by the New York Jets in 2010 and later played with the Kansas City Chiefs. McKnight last played in the Canadian Football League where he starred for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Authorities have yet to reveal if the suspect in McKnight’s death has been arrested and charged.

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