Luke Knox: FIU confirms tragic death of young linebacker

Luke Knox, FIU football player and younger brother of NFL Buffalo Bills' Dawson Knox, passed away Wednesday evening confirmed by the University on Thursday.

By Paris McGee Jr.

Miami, Florida - Luke Knox, linebacker for the FIU Panthers and younger brother of the Buffalo Bills' Dawson Knox, passed away Wednesday evening, according to his university.

Luke Knox (l.) and brother Dawson Knox played together for Ole Miss football during the 2018-19 season before the elder Dawson got drafted into the NFL in 2019.
Luke Knox (l.) and brother Dawson Knox played together for Ole Miss football during the 2018-19 season before the elder Dawson got drafted into the NFL in 2019.  © Screenshot / Instagram / lukeknox24

A Tennessee native, Knox had four seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to Florida International University in 2022.

Mike MacIntyre, FIU football head coach, released a statement confirming the death of the 22-year-old Panthers linebacker.

"Words cannot express the heartfelt sorrow we feel because of the passing of our teammate and friend Luke Knox," MacIntyre said in the statement. "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."

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MacIntyre added: "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."

In 2019, Knox started two games at linebacker for Ole Miss when MacIntyre served as defensive coordinator. Primarily playing in special teams in his latest two seasons, Knox collected a total of 11 tackles - two for loss, in 2021.

Football community pays tribute to Knox

Luke Knox pictured with his family at home in Nashville, Tennessee.
Luke Knox pictured with his family at home in Nashville, Tennessee.  © Screenshot / Instagram / dawsonknox

Following Knox's death, FIU Thursday football practice was canceled, and grief counselors were provided for all team members and staff.

Bills tight end Dawson Knox was not present on the field during training camp practice.

The NFL team's head coach, Sean McDermott emphasized during a press conference that the 25-year-old athlete and his family will receive get all the support Buffalo can offer.

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"My heart goes out to - our hearts go out to Dawson and his family during this time," McDermott said.

"We're right there with him and supporting him and his family and just tragic news that I woke up to this morning. So we love him, and we support him and just unfortunate news this morning."

Luke Know's cause of death has not yet been determined.

Cover photo: Collage: Screenshot / Instagram / lukeknox24

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