The unlikely teammates for the NFL during a strike.
Michigan's Kyle Whittingham run in with Death Row Records' Suge Knight is internet gold originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Kyle Whittingham’s football journey includes an unlikely footnote involving one of the most notorious figures in music history.
During the 1987 NFL players strike, teams turned to replacement players, and Whittingham briefly suited up at linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams alongside his brother, Cary. One of their teammates on the defensive line was Marion Knight Jr., later known worldwide as Suge Knight.
Knight was already known for his intimidating presence. According to a former Rams team trainer, that reputation affected nearly everyone — with one exception. “Suge intimidated everyone,” the trainer recalled. “Except Kyle.
Go Blue, baby!!! 💙💛 https://t.co/Wz6OUS41oA
— Katrina (@kayboo1284) December 30, 2025
Whittingham’s demeanor and toughness stood out even in that unusual locker room, forming a brief but memorable bond between the future college coach and future music mogul. It's a swagger he's now bringing with him to Ann Arbor as the next head coach of the Michigan Wolverines.
Whittingham later built a long coaching career, eventually becoming head coach of the Utah Utes. Knight went on to co-founded Death Row Records, launching stars such as Tupac, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. A stark contrast in paths that began on the same NFL sideline.
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