Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Peterson mourn death of former NFL player Joe McKnight

Former NFL player and USC Trojans standout Joe McKnight was shot and killed in an apparent road-rage incident Thursday in Terrytown, La., a suburb of New Orleans, according to NOLA.com.

Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu, who is also from New Orleans, mourned the loss of McKnight, 28, who is four years his senior.

Damn RIP Joe McKnight. Killed in his own city, #504Boys4Life

— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) December 1, 2016

Everybody in the world wanted to be @ReggieBush , us in New Orleans wanted to run the ball like Joe McKnight.

— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) December 1, 2016

Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson and former Arizona defensive back Antonio Cromartie were among others in the NFL community who expressed their sadness after McKnight’s passing.

Senseless violence took another one of our @NFL brothers. SMH. Praying for his family and loved ones! 🙏🏿#RIPJoeMcKnight #WeNeedChange

— Patrick Peterson /P2 (@P2) December 1, 2016

Just got a message saying my former teammate Joe McKnight was killed today. This hurt to the heart. I can't stop crying. #RestInPeace

— ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) December 1, 2016

McKnight played in the NFL for four seasons, the first three with the Jets and then a brief stint in 2014 with the Kansas City Chiefs. For his career, he recorded 505 rushing yards on a 4.5-per carry average and added 241 receiving yards after a three-year career at USC. McKnight most recently was playing in the Canadian Football League.

He had his second-best career rushing game (143 yards) as a Trojan on Oct. 11, 2008, against Arizona State in Los Angeles.

McKnight’s younger brother, Jonathan McKnight, played cornerback for the Arizona Wildcats from 2010-14.

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