Luke Knox, college football linebacker and brother of Dawson Knox, dead at 22
Florida International University linebacker Luke Knox, the younger brother of Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox, passed away suddenly at the age of 22, FIU Athletics announced Thursday on Twitter.
FIU coach Mike MacIntyre released a statement, writing that he will always remember Knox for his passion for football and his genuine love for his family and teammates. Knox transferred from Ole Miss to Florida International this offseason.
A cause of death for Knox was not revealed. FIU said police did not suspect foul play, according to USA Today.
“Words cannot express the heartfelt sorrow we feel because of the passing of our teammate and friend Luke Knox,” said MacIntyre, who previously coached Knox at Ole Miss before becoming the head coach at FIU in December.
“I had the honor of coaching Luke at Ole Miss and FIU. While I admired his passion for football, his genuine love for his family and teammates is what I will always remember. He had a special way of making everyone around him feel comfortable and confident. Luke’s family is special to me, and they will continually be in my heart and prayers during this difficult time.”
Bills coach Sean McDermott addressed Knox’s passing at training camp, and said he woke up to the “tragic” news.
“Our hearts go out to Dawson and his family during this time and we’re right here with him supporting him and his family,” McDermott said.
Knox, who studied business, appeared in 23 games at Mississippi from 2018 to 2021, before joining the Panthers this offseason.
FIU players were told of Knox’s death late Wednesday, according to USA Today, and the team canceled Thursday’s practice. Counselors were brought in to meet with the team.
Knox recorded 11 tackles in four seasons with Ole Miss, where he predominantly played special teams. He moved to tight end in 2021, though he appeared as a linebacker on FIU’s roster this season.
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin issued a heartfelt message Thursday morning, stating he is “very grateful for my personal relationship and time spent with Luke.”
“There are heavy hearts throughout our football team after the passing of Luke Knox,” Kiffin expressed. “I am very grateful for my personal relationship and time spent with Luke. He was a tremendous teammate and an even better person who lifted up everyone around him.”
Kiffin continued that the “Knox family means so much to the Ole Miss family, and our players, staff and the rest of the university extend our deepest sympathies to all those that were touched by Luke’s spirit. I know he is with God now.
