Tyrice Knight Bio
Tyrice Knight (born December 20, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Independence Pirates and the UTEP Miners before being selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and listed at 236 pounds, Knight plays an inside linebacker role known for physical tackling and pass coverage.
After developing at Independence Community College in Kansas, Knight transferred to the University of Texas at El Paso, where he became one of the most productive tacklers in Conference USA. His climb from a junior college defender to an NFL starter has been one of the more notable underdog stories of the Seahawks’ recent draft classes.
Early Life and Background
Tyrice Knight was born in Lakeland, Florida, where he grew up and attended Lake Gibson High School. Coming out of high school, he was not heavily recruited by major Division I programs, but his relentless play in the secondary and at linebacker caught the attention of several junior college coaches. As a junior at Lake Gibson, he racked up 128 tackles, with 61 of those coming as solo stops, demonstrating the tackling instincts that would later define his college career.
Rather than accept a limited offer from a lower-tier Division I program, Knight decided to commit to Independence Community College in Kansas, a program that has historically served as a springboard for NFL-level talent. The Independence Pirates, featured in the Netflix series “Last Chance U,” provided Knight with a high level of competition and exposure to college scouts. During his time at Lake Gibson, Knight also benefited from family support in Lakeland, which helped him balance the demands of football with academics.
Path to American Football
Knight spent two years at Independence Community College, where he developed into a versatile defensive playmaker. At Independence, he recorded 58 tackles, four tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, four pass deflections, and five interceptions across his career, showing his rare ability to impact the game both against the run and in coverage. That production earned him attention from FBS programs looking for a physical, experienced linebacker.
After his sophomore season at Independence, Knight committed to play Division I football for the UTEP Miners. The move to El Paso allowed him to compete at the highest level of college football while refining his technique under the UTEP coaching staff. In his first season with UTEP in 2020, Knight totaled 54 tackles, two and a half tackles for loss, and a sack, providing an immediate foundation for his college career.
Tyrice Knight Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Knight’s early years at UTEP were defined by steady development. During the 2020 season, his first as a Miner, he appeared in games as a rotation player and finished with 54 tackles, two and a half tackles for loss, and one sack. Those numbers gave the UTEP coaching staff confidence that he could handle a larger defensive role heading into his sophomore campaign.
In 2021, Knight took a major step forward, finishing the year with 102 tackles, a total that placed him among the conference’s leading defenders. His performance earned him Third-Team All-Conference USA honors and established him as one of the most reliable inside linebackers in the league. The 2021 season was a defining year for Knight, as it confirmed that he had the motor and instincts to play at the Division I level.
UTEP Miners Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Knight’s 2022 season represented his first full year as a defensive leader at UTEP. He totaled 95 tackles, six and a half tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, five pass deflections, one fumble recovery, two forced fumbles, and a touchdown. For his efforts, he was named Second-Team All-Conference USA, the first of back-to-back all-conference honors.
Heading into the 2023 season, Knight was named to both the Butkus Award and Bednarik Award watch lists, two of the most prestigious individual awards for college linebackers. In Week 3 of that season, he was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week after recording 14 tackles against Northwestern. He closed the year with 140 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, seven pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble, earning First-Team All-Conference USA recognition. Following the season, he accepted an invitation to play in the 2024 Senior Bowl, where he cemented his draft stock.
Seattle Seahawks Era (2024–Present)
Knight was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round, 118th overall, of the 2024 NFL Draft. He took over starting duties midway through his rookie season and quickly became a key contributor in the Seattle defense. In Week 14, he was named Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week after posting 12 tackles and two pass deflections, one of only two defensive players in the 2024 season to earn that recognition.
During his second NFL season, in a game against the Arizona Cardinals, Knight forced two fumbles against quarterback Jacoby Brissett, both of which were returned for touchdowns by teammate DeMarcus Lawrence. The performance underscored his nose for the football and his ability to make game-changing plays in critical moments. As of the 2025 season, Knight remains a starting linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks.
Driving Style and Strengths
Knight is recognized for his physical tackling, high football intelligence, and ability to contribute in both run defense and pass coverage. His knack for forcing fumbles and reading opposing offenses has made him a trusted three-down linebacker in Seattle’s defensive scheme.
Notable Events and Milestones
Highlights of Knight’s career include earning Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors in Week 14 of the 2024 season and forcing two fumbles that were both returned for touchdowns in a single game against the Arizona Cardinals. His two All-Conference USA selections at UTEP and his invitation to the 2024 Senior Bowl also stand out as key milestones.
Tyrice Knight Career Wins
While linebackers are not measured by traditional win totals, Tyrice Knight’s career has been marked by individual accolades and milestone performances at every level. From his early impact at Independence Community College to his record-setting production at UTEP and his immediate contributions with the Seattle Seahawks, he has consistently delivered standout statistical seasons.
UTEP Miners Highlights
Knight earned Third-Team All-Conference USA honors in 2021, Second-Team All-Conference USA honors in 2022, and First-Team All-Conference USA honors in 2023. He set himself apart during his senior season in 2023, when he led the Miners with 140 tackles, the highest single-season total of his college career. His selection to the Butkus Award and Bednarik Award watch lists that same year highlighted his standing as one of the top linebackers in college football.
Other Wins and Performances
At Independence Community College, Knight recorded five interceptions along with 58 tackles, showcasing his coverage skills. In the NFL, his Week 14 Rookie of the Week honor in 2024 and his two-fumble forced-turnover game against the Arizona Cardinals stand among his most recognized achievements.
Tyrice Knight Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Tyrice Knight was raised in Lakeland, Florida, where his family provided support throughout his athletic development. He attended Lake Gibson High School, a school known in central Florida for its strong athletic programs. While details about his parents and siblings have not been publicly confirmed, his upbringing in Lakeland is often cited as a key influence on his disciplined, hard-nosed playing style.
Personal Life
Knight’s personal life has remained relatively private since he entered the NFL. He continues to be active on social media, where he shares updates about his training and career. Off the field, he is known to maintain close ties to his hometown of Lakeland, Florida, and frequently credits his family for the support that helped him reach the professional level.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Tyrice Knight is expected to remain a starting inside linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks. Building on his strong finish to the 2024 campaign, when he took over starting duties and earned Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors, he is positioned as a key figure in the team’s defensive rotation. His knack for forcing fumbles and producing tackles in bunches has given Seattle a reliable presence in the middle of the field.
Knight’s ability to play in coverage and against the run gives the Seahawks defensive staff flexibility in their schemes. If his 2025 performance mirrors his 2023 UTEP production, where he recorded 140 tackles and 15.5 tackles for loss, he could emerge as one of the breakout defensive players in the NFC. With continued development, Knight has the tools to become a long-term starter and a core piece of the Seahawks’ defense for years to come.