Former New York Jets Running Back Joe McKnight Shot, Killed In Apparent Road Rage Incident

Former New York Jets running back Joe McKnight lost his life Thursday afternoon as he was shot and killed in Terrytown, Louisana.

The New York Jets family suffered a loss today. Former running back Joe McKnight was shot and killed in New Orleans in an apparent road rage incident. McKnight, who was currently a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, was killed in a shooting in Terrytown, Louisiana earlier this afternoon according to Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand.

"“At approximately 2:43 p.m. today we received a call of a shooting that occurred here at Holmes and Behrman Highway,” Normand said. “Our officers arrived on the scene and immediately began giving CPR to an individual who was shot, lying on the ground, with EMS and others assisting at this location.“The individual who was shot and ultimately expired has been identified as Joseph Joe McKnight.”"

The suspected shooter, identified as Ronald Gasser, 54 years old, remained at the scene and surrendered his weapon to authorities. He was then taken into custody and questioned.

“Mr. Gasser did in fact shoot Mr. McKnight. We will be releasing additional details as we get through these interviews with these witnesses,” Normand told reporters. “Mr. McKnight did not have a gun in his possession.”

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A witness, who asked to remain anonymous, leaving a store nearby at the time of the crime said she saw one man, possibly Gasser, yelling at another, McKnight, who was trying to apologize. The man yelling then shot the other man, more than once she said. She added the shooter shot the man and then stood over him and said, “I told you don’t you f— with me.” Then he fired again, she said.

McKnight was a standout athlete at John Curtis Christian School in River Ridge, Louisiana. He was a top prospect in the 2007 class, ranking No.1 in some outlets. He would go on to play at USC, where many people dubbed him as the next Reggie Bush.

McKnight didn’t quite live up to the lofty Bush comparisons but had a solid career at USC with 2,213 rushing yards, 542 receiving yards, and 15 total touchdowns in three seasons. He was a fourth-round pick of the Jets in 2010 and had mixed results in the NFL. McKnight

McKnight played in 39 games with the Jets, making one start. He amassed 502 rushing yards and 177 receiving yards without recording a touchdown. His two Jets touchdowns came on special teams, as he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in 2011 and 2012.

He was in the doghouse of the coaching staff because of a poor training camp in 2013 with plenty of issues including a failed conditioning test and arrest. He was a surprise cut at the end of camp and signed with the Kansas City Cheifs in January, 2014. He played two games for them, catching two touchdowns, before tearing his Achilles.

There was an outpour of emotions on Twitter as plenty of former teammates, friends and fans took to mourn.

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McKnight was a wonderful talent on the field and also a good teammate and friend off of it. He will be missed by plenty of people. We send our prayers and condolences to his friends and family during this sad time.