FIU football player Luke Knox, who appeared in 23 Mississippi State games before joining the Panthers and was the brother of Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox, has died, the university said Thursday.
Luke Knox died Wednesday night, school officials said. The reason was not disclosed, although the university said police were not at fault for the third party.
Knox, who is studying business administration, is 22 years old.
“Words cannot express our heartfelt sadness at the passing of teammate and friend Luke Knox,” FIU coach Mike McIntyre wrote on social media. “I had the privilege of coaching Luke at Ole Miss and FIU. While I admire his passion for football, I will always remember his true love for his family and teammates.”
FIU players were informed of Knox’s death late Wednesday. Thursday’s practice was canceled, and grief counselors were brought in to meet with the team and others in the college community. Luke Knox’s older brother Dawson Knox is entering his fourth season with the Bills.
“Our thoughts are with Dawson and his family at this time,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said Thursday. “We’re right there with him, supporting him and his family. Just the tragic news I woke up to this morning.”
Luke Knox, a native of Brentwood, Tennessee, played mostly on special teams during his time at Miss Ole, where he had 11 tackles in four seasons. He moved to tight end in 2021, but was on the FIU roster as a linebacker that season. During Knox’s time with the rebels, McIntyre was Miss Ole’s defense coordinator. MacIntyre is in his first season at the FIU.
“He has a special way of making everyone around him feel comfortable and confident,” McIntyre said. “Luka’s family is special to me, and they will always be in my heart and prayers during this difficult time.” FIU’s season begins Sept. 1 against Kobe Bryant.
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