Sammy Knight

Sammy D. Knight, Jr. (born September 10, 1975 in Fontana, California) is a former professional American football player. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997. He played college football at USC.

A Pro Bowl selection with the Saints in 2001, Knight has also played for the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants.

Knight is currently an assistant coach at USC.

Early years
Knight graduated from Rubidoux High School in Riverside, California 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 (Shianne,Samone,Savannah,Sasha).

Professional career
After a successful 2001 season with the New Orleans Saints, Knight appeared in the 2002 Pro Bowl with the New Orleans Saints.

New York Giants
On March 3, 2008, Knight signed a three-year, $5.1 million with the New York Giants. The deal included a $1 million signing bonus. He was released on February 9, 2009.

Coaching
In 2010 Knight joined the USC coaching staff as a graduate assistant primarily working with the safeties. He continues in the same role for the 2011 season.