Former USC and NFL running back Joe McKnight was shot and killed yesterday after being involved in a road rage incident in Terrytown, Louisiana. He was 28 years old.
The man identified as his killer, Ronald Gasser, stayed at the scene of the incident and was released last night from police custody without being charged by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Gasser, 54, was seen yelling at McKnight at an intersection at about 3:00 PM. A witness, who declined to be identified, also stated that Gasser berated him as he attempted to apologize. After shooting McKnight, she saw Ronald Gasser stand over him yelling, “I told you don’t you (expletive) with me” before firing once more.
McKnight did not have a gun in his possession at the time of the incident. He was identified by family at the scene shortly after.
Joe was a member of the USC Trojans from 2007-2010 under current Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. McKnight experienced his breakout year as a junior, rushing for 1,014 yards and eight touchdowns on 6.2 yards per carry. He was then selected in the fourth round of 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.
During his tenure in New York, Joe operated mostly as a running back and kick returner. His career-defining moment came on a 107-yard kick return against the Baltimore Ravens in 2011. His numbers as a Jet includes 502 rushing yards on 112 carries and 177 yards on 17 receptions in 39 games.
His 2011 campaign consisted of his averaging 31.6 yards per return. McKnight had a brief two-game stint with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014.
