Lamar McKnight, 32, the head football coach of Hudson Catholic, and Brad Cunningham, 41, the assistant coach, perished in a terrible vehicle accident in Newark on Friday night that claimed six lives.
According to a Hudson Catholic official whose name NJ Advance Media is withholding and who is not permitted to talk in public, McKnight and Cunningham were among the crash victims.
Until a news conference on Monday, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to comment further or formally name the victims.
A well-liked member of the Jersey City and New Jersey High School football communities, McKnight had recently finished his first season as Hudson Catholic’s head coach and physical education instructor.
McKnight, who played quarterback for Lincoln under coach Robert Hampton during his high school playing days, had always wanted to be a high school head coach. For the first time in almost 20 years, Lincoln made it to the state playoffs in 2008, McKnight’s junior year. He assisted in leading the Lions to a 9-3 record and a division championship as a senior. Additionally, McKnight played for Lincoln’s boys basketball team, which won the 2008 NJSIAA Group 2 state championship.
Following high school, the Jersey City native played for two seasons at Contra Costa Community College in California, including one season as a starter, after attending Oak Ridge Military Academy in North Carolina and Itawamba Community College in Mississippi.
After that, McKnight worked in the quarterback rooms at Adams State and Tennessee State before ending his football career. After returning home, he worked as Wil Valdez’s assistant coach at Union City before accepting a position at Hudson Catholic in December 2023.
In addition to working with some of the best quarterbacks in New Jersey in recent years, such as Devin and Donovan Leary of Timber Creek, Taquan Roberson of DePaul, Michael Alaimo of St. Joseph, Champ Long of St. Peter’s Prep, and many others, McKnight established the Lamar McKnight Quarterback Academy in 2017.
At Hudson Catholic, Cunningham excelled as a linebacker and fullback and won a state shot put championship. In the winter of 2001, he was a member of Greg Schiano’s inaugural recruiting class at Rutgers. The Jersey City native contributed to the Scarlet Knights’ comeback despite a career marred by injuries at Rutgers, as the team made its first bowl appearance in almost thirty years during his senior year.
Cunningham has coached football at the high school and youth levels in Hudson County in recent years.
The football community has been sending both coaches condolences.
We regret learning about the accident that occurred yesterday night that involved Brad Cunningham, Coach McKnight, and four other people.Our first recruiting class member, Brad Cunningham, established the groundwork for the Rutgers football program.We are praying and thinking of Brad’s family.
Hearing about Lamar’s passing was really heartbreaking. He was a talented young athlete who loved this game and his players. Sending condolences to his family and the Hudson Catholic community.Twitter: pic.twitter.com/kr1eRd7aUK
Coach, you have my eternal gratitude for this one hurt @LamarMcKnight_pic.twitter.com/cX4yML76I5.
Following the tragic death of Head Coach @LamarMcKnight_, the DePaul Catholic football community sends its deepest sympathies and steadfast support to our brothers at @Hudsoncatholic.During this trying time, you are in our prayers and thoughts.tweet.com/VugokCN3uO
Following the announcement of the death of their head football coach, @LamarMcKnight_, Brick Football would like to express its sympathies to the entire @HudsonCathFBcommunity! Too soon, gone!tweet.com/41NEwI3J5N photo
Following the loss of @LamarMcKnight_, the Cedar Creek football community offers its sympathies and support to the Hudson Catholic community.You are all in our prayers and thoughts. Coach, you have my gratitude for everything you have done. Rest easy.image.twitter.com/ZU5Yti3Y9g
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