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“Even though he came here for such a short period of time and we were in Edmonton together, he was such a big brother to us with his experience, what he taught us, what he brought to this team and his energy,’’ Morris said. “He was always positive and we’re going to do this for him.’’

Morris said that the incident altered his perspective on playing football.

“It brings it into account that tomorrow really isn’t promised to anyone,’’ Morris said. “We just come out here and on every play we go 100 per cent and play like it’s our last play. That just pushes us that much harder. With that on our backs, we can do so much.’’

McKnight had other friends on the team and they appreciated Sunday’s remembrance of the tailback.

“Joe was our former brother and he would be here right now if that hadn’t happened,” said cornerback Kacy Rodgers. “We will honour him the right way, hopefully with wins, and we will continue to do that.”

Defensive back Ed Gainey remembered being stunned by the news that McKnight had been killed.

“I had just brought a son into the world and it was hard for me thinking about it in that aspect,’’ Gainey said. “I just hope that when my son grows up I never have to get a phone call like that.’’

Morris was at his Toronto home when he received a phone call from Shamawd Chambers about McKnight’s death.

“I didn’t believe it and I had to go online and search it for myself,” said Morris, who not long before had talked with McKnight about coming to Toronto to train during the off-season. “It hit me and I broke down. I called my family and I called (head coach) Chris Jones. It was a really hard moment.’’