Luke Knox, a college football player at Florida International University (FIU) and the younger brother of Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox, passed away on August 17, 2022, at the age of 22. His cause of death remains unclear, but the police have ruled out foul play. His sudden death has shocked and saddened his family, friends, teammates, and coaches, who have paid tribute to him on social media and in the press. Here is what we know about Luke Knox and how he died.
Contents
Luke Knox was found in medical distress in his dorm room
According to CNN, Luke Knox was discovered by his friends in his dorm room in “medical distress” on the morning of August 17. FIU police officers arrived at the scene and attempted CPR until Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue took over. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
Miami-Dade Police took over the investigation into his death, but they did not suspect any foul play, Detective Chris Thomas said. The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office has not released his cause of death yet.
Luke Knox was a linebacker who transferred from Ole Miss to FIU
Luke Knox was born in Brentwood, Tennessee, and attended Brentwood Academy, where he played football as a linebacker. He was a three-star recruit who committed to Ole Miss in 2018. He played for the Rebels from 2018 to 2021, contributing as a linebacker, a tight end, and on special teams. He recorded 29 tackles, one sack, and one interception in his college career at Ole Miss.
In 2022, he transferred to FIU as a graduate student and joined the Panthers football team. He was expected to play for FIU in the upcoming season, but he did not see any action before his death.
Luke Knox was the brother of Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox
Luke Knox had four siblings: Dawson, LJ, Isaiah, and Nate. His older brother Dawson also played football at Ole Miss as a tight end before being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2019. Dawson has been one of the Bills’ top offensive weapons, catching 93 passes for 1,147 yards and 13 touchdowns in his three seasons in the NFL.
Dawson posted a tribute to his brother on Twitter , writing: “Thank you all for the outpouring of love and support for my family. Our hearts are broken but we know Luke is in a much better place now with his savior Jesus.” He also posted a photo of him pointing to the sky after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 10, 2022, dedicating it to his brother who wore number 16 at Ole Miss.
Luke Knox was remembered as a caring and committed person by his coaches and teammates
Luke Knox’s death has sparked an outpouring of condolences and memories from his coaches and teammates at both Ole Miss and FIU. FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre, who also coached him at Ole Miss, said in a statement : “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 in my prayers during this difficult time.”
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin also posted a tribute to Knox on Twitter , saying: “He was a tremendous teammate and an even better person who lifted up everyone around him.” Several other players and coaches from both schools expressed their grief and support for the Knox family on social media.
FIU Athletics said that they have been reaching out to their football family and providing them with the support they need. They also asked for privacy for the Knox family during this time of mourning.
