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CFL mourns the loss of Joe McKnight

TORONTO – The Canadian Football League is mourning the loss of Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Joe McKnight, who was killed Thursday afternoon in Terrytown, La.

In a statement from the CFL, Commissioner Jeffrey L. Orridge said:

“On behalf of our Board of Governors and the entire CFL family, I’d like to convey my deepest sympathies to all those close to Joe McKnight, especially his loved ones and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ organization at this difficult time.”

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McKnight, 28, played in his first season in the CFL in 2016 with the Edmonton Eskimos and Saskatchewan Roughriders following five seasons in the NFL with the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs.

After suiting up for two games with the Eskimos, McKnight, a Kenner, La. native, joined the Riders and made his first start as a CFL running back on Oct. 15, rushing for 150 yards in his debut vs. the Argos.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders also released a statement Thursday night:

“We are shocked to hear the news of Joe’s sudden passing,” stated Riders vice president of football operations, general manager and head coach Chris Jones. “We send our deepest sympathies to Joe’s family, friends, and all those impacted by this tragedy.”

“We are saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Joe McKnight,” said Riders President & CEO, Craig Reynolds. “Losing a member of our Rider family this way is an unthinkable occurrence. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s family, teammates and coaches.”

Before going in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, McKnight, a five-star recruit out of high school, starred for the USC Trojans.

McKnight’s former team, the Edmonton Eskimos, put out the following statement on Twitter:

“We’re saddened by the tragic death of Joe McKnight and extend our deepest condolences to Joe’s family, friends and the Riders organization.”

Condolences continue to pour in on Twitter from across the football community: