A former college quarterback who had taken up a job as the head coach of Hudson Catholic was killed in a horrific car accident this past Friday. Lamar McKnight and his assistant coach Brad Cunningham reportedly both lost their lives in the crash, with four others perishing along with them in Newark, New Jersey.
McKnight, known for launching the Lamar McKnight Quarterback Academy in 2017, was only 32. Cunningham, who played under Greg Schiano at Rutgers, was 41.
According to NJ.com, the vehicle they were traveling in was heading south on Raymond Boulevard about 10:45 p.m. when it flew off the road, hit a support column for the Pulaski Skyway, and burst into flames.
Devastating news in the NJ HS football community today as Hudson Catholic head coach Lamar McKnight has tragically passed away.
McKnight influenced countless players and young men during his coaching career. Our thoughts are with his loved ones in this tough time. pic.twitter.com/GDqxjnOHhR
— Jersey Sports Zone (@JSZ_Sports) December 7, 2024
The Deaths Of Lamar McKnight & Brad Cunningham
The shocking deaths of these two young, promising coaches have led to widespread mourning in the football community.
Schiano was among those who took to social media to express heartbreak.
“We are saddened to hear of an accident involving Brad Cunningham, Coach McKnight and four others last night,” he wrote. “Brad Cunningham, member of our first recruiting class, laid the foundation of the Rutgers football program. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brad’s family and the entire Hudson Catholic football family.”
We are saddened to hear of an accident involving Brad Cunningham, Coach McKnight and four others last night.
Brad Cunningham, member of our first recruiting class, laid the foundation of the Rutgers football program.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Brad’s family and the…
— Greg Schiano (@GregSchiano) December 7, 2024
It’s reported that Lamar’s brother, Daryl, was also among those killed in the crash.
We at TPS would like to extend condolences to the families of Lamar McKnight, Brad Cunningham, and the other four individuals who also passed away.
