Luke Knox, Florida International University Football Player and Brother of Buffalo Bills’ Dawson Knox, Dies at 22

Luke Knox was too young to die. The football player at Florida International University passed away at the age of 22 last Wednesday. While a cause of death was not disclosed, school officials said the authorities have no suspicions of foul play. No further information surrounding Knox’s passing is planned to be released.

The team’s practice was canceled on Thursday as grief counselors consoled team members and others on campus.

“Today our panther family is mourning the loss of student-athlete Luke Knox. Our thoughts are with his loved ones and friends,” Florida International University wrote on Twitter. The school urged those struggling with the tragedy to reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services.

Mike MacIntyre, Knox’s coach from the University of Mississippi, shared his grief online as well.
“Words cannot express the heartfelt sorrow we feel because of the passing of our teammate and friend, Luke Knox,” MacIntyre wrote. “I had the honor of coaching Luke at Ole Miss and at FIU. While I admired his passion for football, his genuine love for his family and teammates is what I will always remember.”

Knox was the brother of Dawson Knox, the Buffalo Bills’ tight end. That team also expressed its sadness over the news via social media.

“We’re heartbroken to hear of the sudden passing of Luke Knox,” the team wrote. “Sending all of our thoughts, prayers and support to @Dawson_Knox and the Knox family during this difficult time.”

“Our hearts go out to Dawson and his family during this time, and we’re right there with him and supporting him and his family,” Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said in a video. “Just tragic news that I woke up to this morning. We love him and we support him, and just unfortunate news this morning.”

Luke Knox previously played for Ole Miss, and that team’s head coach, Lane Kiffin, had only the nicest things to say about the linebacker, too.

“I am very grateful for my personal relationship and time spent with Luke,” Kiffin wrote in a statement. “He was a tremendous teammate and an even better person who lifted up everyone around him.”

“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,” he continued. “I know he is with God now.”

What a tragedy that someone so obviously talented and beloved is gone too soon. Here’s hoping he’s throwing the ol’ pigskin back and forth with the Big Guy in the sky.

Cover Photo: Jonathan Bachman / Contributor (Getty Images)