Strong Rock to Honor NFL’s Demetrius Knight Jr. With Jersey Retirement Before Homecoming Game

Strong Rock Christian School to Honor NFL’s Demetrius Knight Jr. With Jersey Retirement Before Homecoming Game

Strong Rock Christian School is honored to announce the retirement of the jersey of Demetrius Knight, Jr., SRCS alumnus and current linebacker for the NFL Cincinnati Bengals. The school will host a special ceremony prior to the Homecoming football game on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at 6:55 p.m., where Knight will be presented with a framed jersey and officially have his jersey retired.

“Demetrius embodies the heart and soul of what it means to be a Patriot: humble, hardworking, and Christ-centered,” said Head of School and Chief Executive Officer Paul McCracken. “His legacy on and off the field will continue to inspire generations to dream big and live boldly for Christ.”

Knight, a 2019 graduate of Strong Rock, demonstrated exceptional talent and leadership throughout his time as a student-athlete. He was a four-year starting quarterback and two-time team captain, earning All-State honors in both football and track and field. As a senior, he became the only player in Strong Rock history to rush and pass for more than 1,000 yards in a single season. 

“Demetrius is one of the hardest-working athletes I’ve ever coached,” said Tobias Jacobi, his former strength coach at Strong Rock. “His charismatic & outgoing personality made him a favorite of both his classmates & teachers during his time at Strong Rock. He made an impact in every area of school life—in the classroom, on the field, in the arts, and in missions.”

After graduation, Knight played at Georgia Tech for four seasons before transferring to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2023 and then to the University of South Carolina in 2024. He played linebacker for the Gamecocks before being selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His journey from Locust Grove to the NFL is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and faith.

Knight is married to fellow Strong Rock alumna Jensy Knight, and they have two children.

"I was extremely blessed to have coached Demetrius for four years. During his time at Strong Rock, he was always the ultimate team player! Gifted physically but worked extremely hard every day to get better and be the best he could be for his team," said Tommy Webb, his football coach at Strong Rock.  "Demetrius was focused on others even though he received a lot of attention due to his play. I never heard a disparaging word come out of his mouth and he was always the constant encourager. What made him the player he became was his constant belief in God, the abilities given and the process it took to be great. I am so happy for Demetrius, his family and what he has become as a man of God, husband, father, and football player!"

Fans are encouraged to attend the homecoming game against Calvary Christian and show their Patriot Pride as Strong Rock honors one of its own.

Media Contact: 
Billie Frys, Director of Marketing
Bfrys@strong-rock.com
(678) 833-1208