Journey to the Arena Dream: Aulden Knight, WR/DB, Billings Outlaws
Published on April 4, 2024 under Arena Football One (AF1)
Billings Outlaws News Release
Aulden Knight aka "Catdaddy" is one of those players you see on the field and you know he's special. Knight shaped his abilities into something only few could dream of and every player wished they had. With his ability to change on the fly, his humble demeanor and his knack for the game of football, will surely have the Billings Outlaws lean on his presence to carry them this season.
The Journey
Aulden started his football career at Hampton where he was a standout wide receiver and return man. He quickly realized he could play at the next level, and after speaking with the University of Cincinnati, the choice was easy. The staff that coach Luke Fickell built at the time was not widely known, but now boasts a wealth of well known names that are still coaching at the college level. Wide receivers coach Mike Denbrock (Notre Dame offensive coordinator), defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame head coach), Mike Mickens (Notre Dame defensive backs), and Doug Phillips (Youngstown State head coach) all had a hand in developing Aulden. As soon as Knight joined the Bearcats, the coaches knew he wasn't just a receiver - he could help in all 3 phases of the game. Mickens and Phillips saw his ability to learn and understand numerous roles on the field and took advantage of that right away. Luke Fickell was quoted saying Knight is a "Jack of All Trades". That's high praise from a well respected Power 5 head coach.
"I was playing special teams right away so I could be on the field from the jump. They just wanted me to be on the field. They knew from the beginning I could play both sides. The second they saw me they wanted me to be on the defensive side. I was the immediate turnover in spring ball. I won the turnover battle."
Knight wasn't the only standout player at Cincinnati that year, as he played with Sauce Garner, Coby Bryant, Alec Pierce and Bryan Cook, who are all currently on NFL rosters. Bryan Cook (Howard University) had also played against Knight during their days in the Big South Conference. Aulden had first hand experience with the best of the best and because of this, was able to enhance his game. If you want to be the best you need to compete with top tier talent in practice or on gameday. This high level of competition paid off for Knight, as while he was with the Bearcats, he earned two rings.
"First of all it (locker room) was very professional. I carry it with me, even today. You learn a lot. Some things coaches taught me I still use even today. They built some fundamentals. Something special I got to do was learn every position on the field. What the defensive line, defensive backs, wide receivers, everywhere I learned every position inside and out. It carried with me. It went a long way. Once you learn something, it sticks with you."
Unfortunately in 2019, Aulden battled injuries and his waiver for an extra year of eligibility was unexpectedly denied. This caused him not to be seen by many scouts and lacked tape that would have pushed him into the NFL. Knight knew he needed to take a new route. Mike Furrey (Limestone head coach) decided to take Aulden onto his coaching staff as a graduate student. Limestone went to the playoffs where Aulden was the primary position coach for the defensive backs. Similar to the staff at Cincinnati, Limestone had various well known names on their team, including former NFL wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery.
"Me coaching and being able to coach with those guys, I learned so much. I learned a ton from the coaching view point. It made me view things in a different lens. I feel like I can build any relationship with any coach. I connect with all my coaches. I just learned so much on the field from Cincinnati but at Limestone I learned a lot of the ins and outs of the game."
The Next Step
Knight never gave up his dream to continue to play professional football despite his injury and was determined to overcome the adversity he had faced. Aulden continued to workout and he took his pro day and posted good numbers, while working out in front of NFL and CFL staff.
"I didn't have an agent, so it was hard to get my foot in the door. Having a coach that could vouch for you goes a long way. I had coaches step up but by that time it was a little late. I just kept grinding and I knew that my talent level was right there with the best. I kept staying down and training. I got a team (Outlaws) who called me and said I could sign immediately. My end goal is the NFL but I know where I need to start. I took this chance to be with the Outlaws. They saw all the pro day work. They did their research on me."
Before signing with the Outlaws, Knight maximized his exposure by posting his workout videos via social media. The Gridiron Crew found some of his posts and reached out to sign him to their agency. They had a friend who is a coach on the Outlaws staff and he shared Knight with Coach Walker.
"He showed him my film and said he didn't want to waste any time and signed me on the spot. I took the opportunity right away."
Like Aulden Knight, Coach Cedric Walker (Outlaws head coach) has been overlooked. This is what connected Knight and Walker right away.
"When I first spoke with him he was very excited, like I was. From his standpoint and mine we both felt overlooked and we both had something to prove. He said he could give you some ability to showcase himself."
Mr. Do It All will be tasked with playing wide receiver, defensive back, and kick returner. Not many players can say they are able to step into all three roles at a high level, but Catdaddy is just that type of player who can excel in any role. Being an electric asset to the team from all angles, he can take it to the house or cause chaos as soon as the ball is released.
"A lot of people you go against have been working their craft in one position. I have a long background, high level of play, and coaching. I like to say I know what is going to happen before it happens. I mean I can read the alignments, formations, I can be there before the ball even gets there. It helps me separate myself. The game is a lot easier for me. I process extremely fast, it's my special ability."
The Outlaws will surely lean into this special ability that Knight possesses. With smaller rosters, it's advantageous to have someone who can play multiple roles on both sides of the ball at a high level. Cedric Walker knows this and expects this as well.
"Walker needs a leader who plays at a high level. I told him I am hungry, happy and blessed to have the opportunity. I told him it will be the best decision he's ever made. Indoor is a lot faster, things operate a lot quicker, the plays develop a lot faster because there is less space. What they expect out of me, they need that electric playmaker anytime I get touches. On defense they need someone who can create turnovers. I'm a turnover freak. They'll expect a lot out of me. I expect a lot out of myself in return. I'm excited to be a part of it. On and off the field."
Aulden will not be alone in his journey in Billings. The team has a group chat, Zoom meetings and talk constantly.
"We've been preparing ahead of time. I think we have a good group, high character, they didn't bring anyone that's a problem for the team or community. The people of Billings can expect a lot of wins this year. Chasing a championship. We all have that mindset."
The Transition
Aulden has seamlessly transitioned from offense to defense and kick returner. His move to the indoor game should be no different. Being able to play, coach and be coachable makes life easy on and off the field.
"I think it will be fun and easy to be honest. I'm already very fast, elusive, strong and aggressive, I am prepared. I have friends that have played in the league. I know my skills will transfer as well. I think the whole city of Billings will be excited to watch us play. I've been liable to go all the way on special teams. Special teams players are very important. That right there alone gets you a chance in a lot of these leagues and will take you a long way."
Season Goals
Building from his championships in the past and his high achieving success, Knight remains humble on his personal goals and puts the team at the forefront of what is to be expected and what is achievable. He is entering with a winning mindset, believing he can earn MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Special Teams Player of the Year. However, it is clear that his priority is his team and being a team player.
"My number one goal is the championship, I will waive everything to get there. It brings joy to the city, fans, and obviously the players. Any award I do receive is never individual. I understand everything you receive is prepared prior to that. I am going to give my teammates a huge shout out to any rewards I receive. I want to be the most impactful player on and off the field. Of course I want to be the guy the coach turns to in critical moments or the other team keys in on. But off the field I want to be a guy in the community they remember. I want to be the face of the team, the face of Billings and I believe I am prepared for that. There is a lot of give and take but I am ready. I want to be an inspiration to the people and the kids to show them to never give up on the journey. They can expect a great person."
Aulden Knight the Person
Off the field Aulden is a humble man and took significant time to praise some of the people who have helped him on this journey. As he states, this is never just about him and there are so many people who helped him get to where he is now. He wants to let that fans know who he is as not only a player, but human as well. As he states, this is never just about him and he has been lucky enough to have several significant influences that have helped him navigate this journey.
"I currently hold two Master's Degrees. I take a lot of pride in that I am a professional. First I need to thank God. Without him, I could not have handled ups and downs. A big shout out to my mom and brother. They supported me through it all. They always made sure I had what I needed and sacrificed a lot to do so. My personal trainer and his crew at GRIT FIT, Delone, Carter, Steve, Tyrus have also helped a ton. ShotByBishop who takes all my photos. The Gridiron Crew - Nick, Colin, Dallas and Aiden. They help a lot of people get to this point. The Outlaws, Coach Walker, Mr. Titus and the whole city of Billings - I am very grateful. Sports Encyclopedia - Evan, they helped get my info out. Ricoknowz, Elite Sirius Sports, Draft Diamonds and Dream bowl. This bowl game after my injury, allowed me to play and gave me a ton of exposure. Thank God again."
Catdaddy will take the field Saturday April 27th vs the Wichita Regulators. You can catch Aulden and the rest of the Outlaws on NFL Network Thursday, June 20th vs the Albany Firebirds.
Arena Football One Stories from April 4, 2024
- Nashville Kats Open Inaugural Training Camp - Nashville Kats
- Journey to the Arena Dream: Aulden Knight, WR/DB, Billings Outlaws - Billings Outlaws
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
