BY ANGELO VELOTTA
Gazette Newspapers
Over the past three seasons playing in the X-League overseas in Japan, Jefferson native Jeremiah “Boogie” Knight has made 139 receptions for 1,750 yards and 15 touchdowns in 17 regular season games, with this past season’s effort earning him MVP honors.
“It means a lot to have the level of success I have had in the X-League. It’s just another testament to never give up and hard work prevails. I went to Japan with goals of being rookie of the year, winning all-pro, breaking records, and winning MVP, and I wrote them down in my notebook every day and used them as motivation every training session and it paid off,” Knight said.
“Being able to play the game I love for a living is a blessing and I wake up every day and thank God for it,” he added.
Knight signed to play in Japan as part of the league in 2023, and has turned those notebook pages into reality. He won rookie of the year, has been selected to be a part of Japan’s national team, and won MVP this past 2025 season. He also won the triple crown in both 2023 and 2025, and was first in catches and second in yards in 2024.
Boogie has danced his way all over the fields overseas, and has many highlights and memories collected along the way.
“The first highlight moment I can think of is this season we played the best team in the league who wins the championship almost every year and we have never beat them in the history of my team, and I had eleven catches for 216 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown with eight seconds left. That was a moment I wish I could freeze time and relive that moment,” Knight said.
“The next would be winning the MVP; it takes sacrifices being away from home, all the long days of training, (but) everything worth it,” he said.
“Some things off of the field in Japan (that) have been highlights is just experiencing such a beautiful and unique culture. It is so peaceful in Japan and it really teaches you patience and respect,” Knight said.
“Being a part of a team in another country, people you grew up your whole life not knowing or understanding, and you learn the culture and become family, and it is a special thing. Sports really bring everyone together,” he added.
So, what’ s next for Knight as he continues to slay the proverbial dragons in front of him on a noble quest to keep playing professional football?
He recently resigned a two-year max contract in Japan to keep playing in the X-League, but he also has his eyes still fixed on returning to play in the United States.
“I’m hoping the MVP season can help me get into camp for the UFL. That is my goal to get to the UFL and dominate it, and get a shot at the NFL. If it’s meant to be, it will happen,” Knight said.
One thing is for sure: Knight will keep catches passes, Knight will keep working hard, and Boogie will still be dancing through defenses with both passion and skill.
