The NFL and sports journalism community are grieving the loss of longtime reporter Joey Knight, a respected South Florida journalist who passed away at the end of February 2026 after a health battle.
Erin Andrews, one of the most prominent figures in sports media, was among those paying tribute online, sharing a heartfelt post from USF Athletics honoring Knight’s legacy.
Feb 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at the Super Bowl LIX host committee handoff press conference. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at the Super Bowl LIX host committee handoff press conference. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Erin Andrews Mourns Death of Beloved NFL Reporter Joey Knight: Tributes Pour In for 35-Year Veteran
Knight, who spent 35 years in the industry without ever being laid off, began his career at the Tampa Tribune, where he covered prep sports and served as the University of Florida beat writer. He then moved to the Tampa Bay Times for the final 20 years of his career, covering the University of South Florida, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rays, Lightning, high school sports, and major events including:
Four Super Bowls
Two Final Fours
The Women’s Final Four
MLB playoffs
College football title games and conference championships
The College World Series
Stanley Cup playoffs
His family released a statement confirming his passing and reflecting on his life:
“Joey was gainfully employed for 35 surreal years as a sports journalist in the tumultuous, tenuous industry of newspapers and never laid off… He is survived by his three children: Hannah Leigh Knight-Greene and her husband, Cully Greene; Katelyn Knight; and Joseph Lee Knight, Jr.; his parents, Alan Knight and Karen Knight; his final love, Amanda Massey Schummer; Kelli Knight, caregiver in the final months; his sister, Lisa Floyd, and her husband Larry Floyd; niece Lily Floyd; and nephews Levi Floyd and Luke Floyd.”
They added:
“Joey wanted others to know that he was an imperfect servant of the Lord who loved his family and tried to honor God with his life.”
We join the Tampa Bay community in mourning the loss of Joey Knight.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. 💚 pic.twitter.com/VCwFUCbncr
— USF Athletics (@USFAthletics) February 20, 2026
Erin Andrews reshared the USF Athletics tribute on social media, expressing her sadness over the loss of a respected colleague in the sports media world.
A funeral was held over the weekend, and tributes have continued to pour in from across the NFL, college sports, and journalism communities.
Our thoughts are with Joey Knight’s family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who knew him. Rest in peace, Joey.
If you or someone you know needs support during difficult times, resources are available:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Share your memories or condolences respectfully below.
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