Mississippi State football has released a statement to announce the death of one of their former running backs Zachary Knight Wednesday evening; he was 52 years old.
Knight, a graduate of Pearl High School, rushed for 2,345 yards and 38 touchdowns in 62 games as a Bulldog from 1993-1997. One of Knights’s most memorable and iconic performances came in the 1996 Rose Bowl against Ole Miss. In the game, Knight rushed for 180 yards and five touchdowns in a 37-26 win over the Rebels. Knight planned to go on to pursue a pro football career with the Saints; however, during his last game ever with the bulldogs he suffered an injury to his left knee that benched him from starting preseason training and ultimately lead to him withdrawing from the pro athlete program. Knight leaves behind his beautiful wife he met at MSU during his junior year, they have 3 children together ages 6, 9, and 12. Many of his fans posted heartfelt tributes to him along with several of his teammates. His talents on the field were truly one of a kind and will be looked up to by younger generations of athletes. His wife has not made a comment on his death as his agent has asked for privacy during this time during the release of the statement.
Knight will truly be missed but his legacy will forever be remembered and looked up to as inspiration to so many young football players that have a passion as big as Knight’s was for the game.
