Kairo Knight

Kairo Knight

No. 18 (formerly 88) – Cape Town Crash
Position:	Wide Receiver
Personal information
Born:	(2031-11-12)November 12, 2031 (aged 29) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	205 lb (93 kg)
Username:	Akoustique
Career information
College:	California Polytechnic State University
Career history
Roster status:	Active

Kairo Knight (born November 12, 2031) is an American football wide receiver who currently plays on the roster of the International Simulation Football League's Cape Town Crash.

Early years

Born in Los Angeles, California, Kairo Knight grew up learning everything he could about football from his father, Harrison Knight. During his high school years, Knight began as a receiving tight end, but soon found his true calling as a wide receiver due to his height and speed impressing the coaches. While no accolades were given to him during his high school years, he did rack up impressive stats during his senior year, including 40+ receptions in his high school senior year. However, his receiving yards were far less impressive than his receptions. Knight has stated that a conflict between himself and the quarterback at the time led to the signal caller not trusting him as a deep threat. Neither the coaches of Kairo's high school nor the quarterback at the time have confirmed this statement. After his high school days were over, Knight received scholarship offers from many out-of-state colleges, but chose to remain in California and attended California Polytechnic State University, majoring in journalism.

College career

College career statistics

Career statistics			Receiving
Season	Team	Games	Rec	Yards	Avg	Lg	TD
2050	Cal Poly Mustangs	9	27	198	7.3	20	0
2051	Cal Poly Mustangs	11	39	280	7.1	29	1
2052	Cal Poly Mustangs	12	42	652	15.5	46	2
2053	Cal Poly Mustangs	14	51	796	15.6	43	3

Knight's freshman year for the Cal Poly Mustangs started off slow, as the lack of deep receptions during his high school years had put doubt in the minds of the coaches. However, he was used often as a target for short throws and screen passes, especially on third down conversions. This continued well into his junior year of college, becoming a very dependable slot receiver that the team knew could be relied upon to get first downs through the passing game. His junior year also saw deeper targets, as Knight's statline for average yards per catch increased dramatically, starting around seven yards on average before increasing to approximately fifteen yards on average. Knight's senior year became his breakout year, as his familiarity with the routes and Mustangs playbook became apparent. His coaches established him as a middle-of-the-field threat, and Knight's stats for yards after the catch shot upwards as he showed his exceptional agility in his ability to avoid defenses. After his graduation from Cal Poly, he declared his intent to enter the professional world as a wide receiver.

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables

Ht	Wt	40‑yd dash	20‑ss	3‑cone	Vert jump	Broad
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	205 lb (93 kg)

2054 Offseason

Kairo Knight was added to waivers due to the declaration of his intent coming after the deadline for the Season 39 DSFL Draft, but before the trade deadline of that season. While interest was expressed by many teams during the scouting process, with Knight even willing to work at a different position, the Bondi Beach Buccaneers claimed him off of waivers, and he fit right in as a slot receiver in their offense. While critics expected Knight to be unhappy due to the Buccaneers' reputation following the winless Season 38, Knight has expressed enthusiasm in working with the franchise. Knight noted after the announcement that "this is an opportunity to make a name for myself in this league, and [Bondi Beach] shouldn't be underestimated." Kairo Knight has declared in interviews since that he "plan[s] to show the world just how much of a threat I can be on that field."

Season 39 (2054)

The beginning of Kairo Knight's career didn't go quite as planned. Bondi Beach went winless (with one tie in a Week 7 game against Minnesota) until a major upset against the Dallas Birddogs in Week 9. They proceeded to carry that momentum into Week 12, winning a close game against the eventual Ultimini champions in Kansas City. Throughout the season, Kairo Knight was reportedly a force of encouragement in the locker room, pushing his teammates and proclaiming his belief in them. The feeling within the locker room through the season was encouraging in part due to Knight's push, and many insiders attributed the constant pep talks to Bondi Beach's few wins. When it comes to Knight's receiving stats, they were extremely similar to his senior year at Cal Poly. Knight was expressly used as a slot receiver, and many of his receptions came near the sidelines in comparison to his prior midfield expertise. According to some league insiders, Knight expressed "satisfaction and joy at [his] use" in his rookie season. Soon after the end of the regular season, Kairo Knight would declare his intent to enter the Season 40 ISFL Draft.

Season 40 (2055)

Kairo Knight was selected seventh overall by the Cape Town Crash in the Season 40 ISFL Draft. When asked about his early selection, Knight seemed just as surprised as everyone else, remarking that "there were so many good options at my position, and I'm humbled and honored that Cape Town took me there. I don't plan on letting them down." After signing a contract with Cape Town, Kairo Knight stayed in the DSFL in order to hone his skills and receiving power, working with the Bondi Beach Buccaneers once more.

This decision would prove to be the correct one, as Bondi Beach stormed through the DSFL, one reporter stating that "their offense is a must-see; Smokin' Jay is at the top of his game, surrounded by his elite receiving corps in Based, Tolliver and Knight." Their first two games were close losses, followed by a five-game winning streak that eventually culminated in a nine-win regular season. The Bondi Beach Buccaneers went into the playoffs aiming to best their biggest rival in the Norfolk Seawolves, beating then 27-16 followed by a win against the Portland Pythons in the Season 40 Ultimini. The game-winning touchdown was scored by Knight himself, with only 3:38 to go, Jay connected on a five-yard pass to take the lead over the Pythons. Kairo Knight had approached the regular season touchdown record, but fell short of it at eleven touchdowns to the record's fifteen. Delighted by how the season went, Kairo Knight reportedly spent his time during the offseason celebrating with many a cocktail.

Season 41 (2056)

Kairo Knight was called up from the Bondi Beach Buccaneers at the start of Season 41, and while leaving his teammates behind was bittersweet, Knight stated that he knew "[his] time in the DSFL was done". The early start to the season wasn't exactly fruitful for Knight; he didn't have a reception longer than 10 yards until Week 3, and his first touchdown didn't happen until Week 9. While early critics began to call Kairo Knight a bust, Cape Town were dominant in the standings, finishing the season with a 13-3 record.

In the post-season, Kairo Knight didn't make much of an impact in the first two games against Chicago and Sarasota. However, he did rack up 4 receptions for 29 yards in the Ultimus Bowl XLI, helping the Cape Town Crash end their post-season drought and become champions for the first time since they were formerly the Philadelphia Liberty. Now, having been a part of back-to-back championships, Kairo Knight has stated in interviews that "I can only go up from here. When you look at the record books, you'll look under the championship rosters and written in ink will be the name Kairo Knight. No one will ever forget what I'll do in this league."

Season 42 (2057)

Kairo Knight was named Offensive Captain of the Cape Town Crash prior to the ISFL's Season 42. This surprised many critics, who stated that his production didn't seem to convey he was built for the captain position. Knight was able to create some more fans in the very first game of the regular season, catching six receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown. It was evident that whatever the Crash had done with Knight's offseason training, he was ready and able to push forward to the next level.

The Cape Town Crash had some early success, winning their first two games, before losing three straight until they surged back with a statement win over the Honolulu Hahalua in Week 6. Unfortunately, after the first set of games, Knight's production did begin to fall off. Still, the Cape Town Crash ended the regular season with a winning record of 10 wins and six losses. Kairo Knight would finish the season with over 800 yards and 79 receptions, the most receptions he's ever had in a season to this point.

In the postseason, the Cape Town Crash fell to the Berlin Fire Salamanders in the wildcard round. Knight was able to score the Crash's only offensive touchdown late in the fourth quarter to tie the game, but Berlin would seal the victory with a last-second field goal. Knight was despondent after the game, choosing not to discuss his situation with reporters at that time. While the Cape Town Crash have confirmed that Kairo Knight is under contract for the next season, his radio silence during the offseason has left more questions than answers.

Season 43 (2058)

During the offseason, it was confirmed that Kairo Knight had signed a lifetime contract with the Cape Town Crash. Despite the mutual option contract clause, it all but confirmed that Knight would be staying with the Crash through the rest of his career. When asked for comment on the contract situation, Knight responded "[the Crash] have been nothing but supportive, even if I haven't shown my first-round potential yet. We've never been a pass-heavy team, but I'm going to be the most dependable receiver the Crash has ever had."

With those bold words carrying him forward, Kairo Knight began the season on a hot start, leading all receivers in yards in a loss to Baltimore. Afterward, however, he didn't exactly have any standout games; his only game where he exceeded 100 yards was in a loss to the Yellowknife Wraiths. Despite this, the Cape Town Crash went on to a 12 and 4 record, once again securing their spot in the playoffs and continuing his streak of playing in the post-season since Season 40.

The post-season started off with a bang, as the Cape Town Crash decimated the Colorado Yeti in a 55-28 victory. Unfortunately, that joy was soon cut short in a heartbreaking 17-19 loss to the team that had been a thorn in their side all season, Baltimore. Baltimore would go on to win the Ultimus, but critics were focused on Knight's lack of performance on the field, being kept to under 1,000 yards while the veteran Derrick Prince had eclipsed it. There were questions floating about whether Knight was worth a first-round pick at this point, or if there was a lack of trust that had developed between him and his quarterback, much like his high-school days. Knight promptly shut down these rumors during the postseason press conference, saying that the relationship between him and Creg Jerrith IV was "like brothers. Sometimes you can't stand the decisions they make, sometimes you want to hug him until his back breaks. That's how we feel about each other. I wouldn't want any other QB throwing to me."

Season 44 (2059)

The receiving corps surrounding Kairo Knight changed dramatically once again, as the runningback Malik Brooks swapped to a wide receiver, and Jay Money joined in free agency. This strengthened the receiving game of Cape Town dramatically, though, the Crash would lean on their run game throughout season 44.

Knight would have a fairly good season, going undefeated as part of the Crash until their week 7 game against the Arizona Outlaws. The Cape Town Crash would only suffer three losses throughout their season, catapulting them to the playoffs without a problem. Knight himself would finish the regular season second amongst receivers with 968 receiving yards, though third in touchdowns with 5. Kairo Knight was a dependable receiver that drove the Crash down the field, moving the chains and keeping the offense on the field as often as he could.

During the post-season, it all came to a head. After a quiet game against Berlin, Knight came clutch in the divisional championship game against Baltimore, catching a last-ditch effort pass from Creg Jerrith IV while the clock was under a minute left on the game, and ran it 64 yards to the endzone, allowing Cape Town to win the game by a single point and guaranteeing them a spot in the Ultimus. Unfortunately, they ran into the dominating offense of the Honolulu Hahalua, who defeated the Crash in a 43-36 shootout. Knight was hopeful after the game, remarking a simple statement of "we'll be back."

Season 45 (2060)

Kairo Knight's offseason training came to light during the 2060 season, as his stats would shoot much higher than they had been prior. Unfortunately, this did not result in much success for the Cape Town Crash. While the receiving corps remained the same, save for the addition of Rockbo Rockbot, the Cape Town Crash fizzled out through the season.

Ending the regular season with a record of 7-9, Knight spoke out, disappointed in the performance of the Crash that season. While he didn't place blame on any one teammate, he did remark that "we need to be better. If I can improve, it's ridiculous that the rest of us couldn't. I have faith in the Crash, but it's a disappointing end to the season."

Knight's standout game was in Week 5 against the Colorado Yeti, where Kairo Knight would go on to record 158 receiving yards and two touchdowns off of seven catches. This type of performance was commonplace throughout the season, showing that regardless of the record that Cape Town held, the Jerrith IV to Knight connection was still strong.

Season 46 (2061)

Kairo Knight spent most of the offseason preparing and trying out new training regimens, impressing his teammates enough to be labeled Offensive Captain. This season was regarded by most to be the prime season for many players, and Knight was highly rated amongst wide receivers to repeat his performance and stats from the prior season. With the departure of Rockbo and Money from the receiving corps, and the retirement of Creg Jerrith IV however, it suddenly became much harder for Knight to challenge those previous stats.

Those fears came to pass as Knight struggled to find a rhythm with new quarterback Thor Bollrsveifla, with Bollrsveifla preferring to target runningback Nakiri Ayame and receiver Malik Brooks. Knight fell back under 1000 yards, and there was fear of his skills falling off far more than anyone anticipated. Cape Town again went 7-9, and once again did not make the playoffs. With Knight's career winding down to his final few years, it was becoming more and more challenging for him to reach the same heights he did with his Ultimini-to-Ultimus seasons, and critics began to question whether the Crash were aiming to replace him.

Professional career statistics

Career statistics			Receiving
Year (Season)	Team	Games	Rec	Yards	Avg	Lg	TD
2054 (S39)	Buccaneers	14	50	754	15.1	58	4
2055 (S40)	Buccaneers	14	70	1092	15.6	61	11
2056 (S41)	Crash	16	37	477	12.9	69	4
2057 (S42)	Crash	16	79	896	11.3	88	5
2058 (S43)	Crash	16	70	737	10.5	58	6
2059 (S44)	Crash	16	92	968	10.5	51	5
2060 (S45)	Crash	16	117	1414	12.1	64	8
2061 (S46)	Crash	16	100	856	8.6	31	6

Achievements and records

Accolades

Cape Town Crash

• Offensive Captain: Cape Town Crash - 2057 (S42), 2061 (S46)

Awards

Team

• Ultimus Champion (1): 2056 (S41) (XLI)
• NSFC Champion (2): 2056 (S41), 2059 (S44)

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