BK #20

Bam Knight

Running Back · NC State

A journeyman running back nicknamed 'Bam' who beat long odds to make Arizona's roster and became a career-high scorer for the Cardinals in 2025.

Zonovan 'Bam' Knight is a running back and kickoff returner for the Arizona Cardinals. After stints with the Jets, Lions and Jets again, he found a home in Arizona, where he surprised many by making the 53-man roster and then producing his best NFL season.

★ Set a career high with four rushing touchdowns in 2025

★ Made Arizona's 53-man roster as an undrafted-caliber depth back after stints with three other teams

Path to the league

Knight played college football at NC State after a standout high school career at Southern Nash High School in Bailey, North Carolina, where he set a school record with 5,073 rushing yards and 71 touchdowns. He signed with the New York Jets in 2022 and bounced between the Jets and Detroit Lions before landing with Arizona.

Career highlights

Knight's path to a steady NFL role ran through New York (2022, 2024) and Detroit (2023) before he joined the Cardinals, where he was regarded as one of the team's biggest surprises to make an initial 53-man roster.

2025 season recap

Knight posted a career year for Arizona in 2025, rushing 82 times for 269 yards (3.3 yards per carry) with a career-high four touchdowns, while adding 22 catches for 160 yards and another score. His season ended three games early due to an ankle injury. He re-signed with the Cardinals on a one-year deal for 2026.