Quotes about Dennis McKnight

http://www.greeleytrib.com/article/20070901/UNC_SPORTS09/109010143/-1/UNC_SPORTS99

About how he heard in 1977 that a freshman lineman named McKnight was complaining and considering leaving Drake University, then-OL coach Dennis Darnell went to his room and started packing his suitcases form home. Darnell talked about McKnight's reaction:
"He said, 'Coach, what are you doing, what are you doing?' and I said, 'If you want to go home, you're going home.' I'll take you to the airport." (Greely Tribune)

GT Note: "McKnight never went home. In fact, he dedicated himself to becoming the best lineman he could be. He finished his career as one of the best offensive lineman in Drake history, making the all-time Drake football team."


After McKnight was cut by the Browns as a rookie free agent and came to work for Darnell as a graduate assistant at Southeast Missouri State, Darnell advsied him to give up his NFL dreams and begin coaching, but Darnell said:
"The dream ends for everybody someday, but fortunately for him, he didn't listen to me." (GT)

GT Note: "McKnight spent 11 seasons in the NFL, including eight with the San Diego Chargers, two with the Detroit Lions and one with the Philadelphia Eagles. Under the tutelage of legendary coach Don Coryell at San Diego, McKnight was part of the famous "Air Coryell" offense led by Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts and was a Pro Bowl alternate in 1988."


About McKnight's work ethic, Darnell said:
"He is the hardest working player I have ever coached, probably. He just took that work ethic and made himself into an NFL player." (GT)


About how Darnell was a father figure to him, McKnight said:
"My dad had left me when I was 11 and when I got there he nurtured me the right way. He was tough and hard, but at the same time he had to walk a fine line my freshman year because I was convinced I didn't want to play football any more." (GT)


About how it will be emotional when he sees McKnight at the UH-UNC game, Darnell said:
"Probably the first time I see him will be at the game and I will go out and give him a great big hug because I know we both love each other a great deal. I look at him like a stepson and I know he looks at me like a surrogate father." (GT)