Sammy Knight

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Sammy Knight
No. 29, 24, 26
Position:
Safety
Personal information
Born: (1975-09-10) September 10, 1975 (age 48)
Fontana, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
College:USC
Undrafted:1997
Career history
As a player:
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Tackles:1,032
Sacks:9
Interceptions:42
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Sammy D. Knight, Jr. (born September 10, 1975) is a former

undrafted free agent in 1997. Knight was also a member of the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants. He was also an assistant coach at USC.[1]

Early years

Knight graduated from Rubidoux High School in Riverside, California[2] before attending the University of Southern California. He has 3 brothers who also played college football: Ryan was a record-setting prep All-American running back (rushing for 501 yards in a game) who then lettered 4 years (1984–87) at tailback for USC and led the Trojans in rushing in 1985 and 1986 (he is 20th on USC's career rushing list with 1,875 yards), Greg played defensive line at Colorado (1986) and Darryl lettered 3 years (1998–2000) at linebacker at USC. His father, Sam Sr., played on a California state championship basketball team at Riverside (Calif.) Community College in the early 1960s that was coached by Jerry Tarkanian. He is married to Freda Knight, a Hampton University Graduate. They have four daughters named Shianne, Samone, Savannah, and Sasha. Knight also has an older daughter named Aneka.

Professional career

New Orleans Saints

1997

On April 25, 1997, the

1997 NFL Draft.[3]

Throughout training camp, Knight competed to be the starting strong safety against Je'Rod Cherry, Vashone Adams, and rookie Rob Kelly. Head coach Mike Ditka named Knight the backup strong safety to begin the regular season, behind starting strong safety Vashone Adams.[4]

He made his professional regular season debut in the

Carolina Panthers. Knight made two interceptions off pass attempts by Kerry Collins and Steve Beuerlein during the game.[7] Knight finished his rookie season in 1997 with 84 combined tackles and five interceptions in 16 games and 12 starts.[8]

1998

On February 18, 1998, the New Orleans Saints offered Knight a one-year restricted free agent contract tender to remain with the team. Knight became the starting free safety after Anthony Newman departed in free agency. Head coach Mike Ditka named Knight the starter to begin the season, alongside strong safety

Arizona Cardinals. Knight intercepted a pass by Cardinals' quarterback Jake Plummer, that was intended for wide receiver Frank Sanders, and returned it for a 32-yard touchdown in the first quarter.[11] Knight finished the 1998 NFL season with 75 combined tackles and a career-high six interceptions in 14 games and 14 starts.[8]
His six interceptions tied for eighth most in the league in 1998.

1999

On March 23, 1999, the New Orleans Saints signed Knight to a five-year,

Tennessee Titans.[14] He started all 16 games for the first time in his career in 1999 and recorded 101 combined tackles and an interception.[8]

2000

On January 5, 2000, the New Orleans Saints fired head coach Mike Ditka after they finished the 1999 season with a 3–13 record.

Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive coordinator Jim Haslett as their new head coach.[16] Defensive coordinator Ron Zook retained Knight as the starting strong safety. Knight started alongside starting free safety Darren Perry in 2000.[17]

He started in the

Atlanta Falcons 23–7. Knight intercepted a pass by Falcons'quarterback Doug Johnson and returned it for a 31-yard touchdown in the second quarter.[20] Knight started in all 16 games in 2000 and recorded 100 combined tackles, five interceptions, two sacks, two touchdowns.[8]

The New Orleans Saints finished first in the

Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Divisional Round.[22]

2001

Knight returned as the starting strong safety in 2001 and started alongside free safety

Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[25] He started in a 16 games in 2001 and recorded 96 combined tackles (78 solo), six pass deflections, four interceptions, and a sack.[26] He was selected to the 2002 Pro Bowl and was voted second-team All-Pro in 2001.[27]

2002

Head coach Jim Haslett retained Knight and Jay Bellamy as the starting safeties in 2002.

Carolina Panthers in Week 17. Knight intercepted two passes by Panthers' quarterback Rodney Peete.[29] He started in all 16 games in 2002 and recorded a career-high 104 combined tackles (80 solo), deflected 11 passes, made five interceptions, and made two sacks.[26]

2003

On February 27, 2003, Knight opted out the last year of his five-year contract and became an unrestricted free agent. Knight voided the final year after it became possible that the New Orleans Saints were going to release him. Knight was set to receive a salary of $1.92 million in 2003.[12]

Miami Dolphins

On May 13, 2003, the Miami Dolphins signed Knight to a two-year, $2.38 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $300,000.[30]

Throughout training camp, he competed to be the starting strong safety against

New England Patriots. Knight started all 16 games in 2003 and recorded 96 combined tackles (64 solo), six pass deflections, and three interceptions.[26]

2004

Head coach Dave Wannstedt retained Knight as the starting strong safety in 2004. He started alongside free safety

Baltimore Ravens. Knight was credited with his first career safety during a fumble by running back Jamal Lewis in the fourth quarter.[34] He started in all 16 games in 2004 and made 98 combined tackles (52 solo), four interceptions, and a safety.[26]

Kansas City Chiefs

2005

On March 11, 2005, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Knight to a five-year contract.

(Dolphins)
.

Head coach Dick Vermeil named Knight the starting strong safety to begin the regular season, alongside free safety Greg Wesley.[36]

On October 16, 2005, Knight recorded five combined tackles, deflected a pass, and returned a fumble for a touchdown during a 28–21 victory against the

New England Patriots in Week 12.[38] Knight and Greg Wesley intercepted Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady four times during the game. On December 31, 2005, Kansas City Chiefs' head coach Dick Vermeil announced his decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2005 NFL season. Knight started in all 16 games in 2005 and recorded 89 combined tackles (70 solo), 11 pass deflections, two interceptions, two sacks, and a touchdown.[26]

2006

On January 7, 2006, the Kansas City Chiefs hired

Cleveland Browns.[41] He started in all 16 games in 2006 and recorded 83 combined tackles (74 solo), four pass deflections, two sacks, and an interception.[26]

2007

On March 22, 2007, the Kansas City Chiefs cut Knight after he declined to restructure his contract.[42]

Jacksonville Jaguars

On August 13, 2007, the

Buffalo Bills in Week 12.[44] He started in all 16 games in 2007 and recorded 93 combined tackles (79 solo), 11 pass deflections, and four interceptions.[26]

The

New England Patriots
in the AFC Divisional Round.

New York Giants

On March 3, 2008, the New York Giants signed Knight to a three-year, $5.15 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $1.25 million.[45] Knight was signed as a replacement for Gibril Wilson who departed during free agency.

Knight entered camp slated as the starting strong safety, but saw competition from Michael Johnson.[46] Head coach Tom Coughlin named Knight the backup strong safety to begin the regular season, behind Michael Johnson.[47] On November 29, 2008, the New York Giants placed Knight on injured reserve due a hip injury.[48] He finished the season with 12 combined tackles (ten solo) in nine games and no starts. On February 9, 2009, the New York Giants released Knight.

Coaching

In 2010 and 2011 Knight was part of the USC coaching staff as a graduate assistant primarily working with the safeties.[1][49]

References

  1. ^ a b Sammy Knight biography at usctrojans.com (accessed September 3, 2015).
  2. ^ Sammy Knight, Jacksonville Jaguars. Accessed December 29, 2007.
  3. ^ "Spotrac.com: Sammy Knight contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  4. ^ "1997 New Orleans Saints Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  5. ^ "New Orleans Saints at New York Giants - September 28th, 1997". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  6. New York Times
    . September 30, 1997. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  7. ^ "New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers - November 30th, 1997". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  8. ^ a b c d "NFL #26 Sammy Knight -ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  9. ^ "1998 New Orleans Saints Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  10. ^ "New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings - November 8th, 1998". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  11. ^ "New Orleans Saints at Arizona State - December 16th, 1998". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  12. ^ a b "Knight Gambles on Free Agent Market". a.espncdn.com. February 27, 2003. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  13. ^ "1999 New Orleans Saints Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  14. ^ "NFL #26 Sammy Knight -ESPN (1999)". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  15. ^ "Saints fire Iron Mike; Ditka says he's done coaching". journaltimes.com. January 5, 2000. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  16. ^ "Saints Name Haslett New Coach". cbssports.com. February 3, 2000. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  17. ^ "2000 New Orleans Saints Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  18. ^ "Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints - September 3, 2000". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  19. ^ "Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints - November 3, 2000". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  20. ^ "Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints - December 17th, 2000". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  21. ^ "St. Louis Rams at New Orleans Saints - December 30th, 2000". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  22. ^ "NFL Player stats: Sammy Knight (2000)". NFL.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  23. ^ "2001 New Orleans Saints Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  24. ^ "New Orleans Saints at Buffalo Bills - September 9th, 2001". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  25. ^ "NFL Player stats: Sammy Knight (2001)". NFL.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  26. ^ a b c d e f g "NFL Player stats: Sammy Knight (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  27. ^ "29 Sammy Knight". saints50.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  28. ^ "2002 New Orleans Saints Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  29. ^ "New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers - December 29, 2002". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  30. ^ a b "Dolphins sign free agent S Sammy Knight". upi.com. May 13, 2003. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  31. ^ "2003 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  32. ^ "2004 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  33. ^ "Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots - December 20th, 2004". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  34. ^ "Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens - January 2nd, 2005". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  35. ^ "42-Year-Old Flutie Is Released by Chargers". articles.latimes.com. March 12, 2005. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  36. ^ "2005 Miami Dolphins Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  37. ^ "Washington Redskins at Kansas City Chiefs - October 16th, 2005". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  38. ^ "NFL Player stats: Sammy Knight (2005)". NFL.com. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  39. ^ "PRO FOOTBALL; Jets Accept A 4th-Round Draft Puck For Edwards". The New York Times. January 7, 2006. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  40. ^ "2006 Kansas City Chiefs Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  41. ^ "NFL Player stats: Sammy Knight (2006)". NFL.com. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  42. ^ Pasquerelli, Len (March 22, 2007). "Chiefs cut veteran strong safety Knight, OT Turley". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  43. ^ "2007 Jacksonville Jaguars Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  44. ^ "NFL Player stats: Sammy Knight (2007)". NFL.com. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  45. ^ "FOX Sports on MSN - NFL - Giants replace Wilson with Knight at safety". Archived from the original on March 5, 2008. Retrieved March 5, 2008.
  46. ^ "Jerry Reese not silent this time around, signs Sammy Knight for Giants". New York Daily News. March 4, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  47. ^ "2008 New York Giants Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  48. ^ "Giants place veteran safety Knight on injured reserve". NFL.com. November 29, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  49. ^ "USC Football Spring Notebook: Four Things We've Learned", Neon Tommy, April 14, 2012.

External links