A student athlete who played on the football team at Florida International University and was the brother of Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox, has died at 22.
Luke Knox, who transferred to FIU after playing three seasons at Ole Miss, died at a local hospital Wednesday night, school officials said.
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"We are saddened by the sudden passing of Luke Knox, a member of the FIU Football program," the team said in a statement. "We send our thoughts and prayers to Luke’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time."
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FIU players were told of Knox's death late Wednesday. Thursday's practice was canceled, and grief counselors were brought in to meet with the team and others from the university community.
"It's a very strange morning, for something like that to take place," said FIU student Jakobi McGee. “Athletes are the picture of health, nonetheless I feel any passing of a student is met with great sadness and I feel that we should respect his life and take away just the best of what he offered.”
Police do not suspect foul play in the incident. Details on how Knox died were also not released.
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"I had the honor of coaching Luke at Ole Miss and at FIU," Panthers head coach Mike MacIntyre said. "While I admired his passion for football, his genuine love for his family and teammates is what I will always remember."
A native of Brentwood, Tennessee, Knox played three years for the Rebels and switched between linebacker and tight end. He played in seven games last season and recorded 21 tackles in his career. He switched to tight end in 2021 though appeared as a linebacker on FIU's roster this season.
He is the brother of Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox, who is entering his fourth NFL season.
“Tragic news that I woke up to this morning," said Bills head coach Sean McDermott. "We love him and we support him and just unfortunate news this morning.”
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin said, as part of a lengthy tweet, “He was a tremendous teammate and an even better person who lifted up everyone around him.”
No one from the FIU football program spoke out publicly Thursday, but several students on campus gave their condolences and thoughts on Knox's death.
“It’s devastating,” said Nai Augustin. “We’re so young and you don’t think of people passing away in college especially so soon, move-in day was yesterday so it’s definitely devastating.”
“It’s a sad situation, so just give them their respect and kind of just leave them alone for now, and the family, let them grieve,” said Noah Llaneras, a medical student.
“It reminds you that anything can happen, that just because you’re young doesn’t mean you’re immune to dying,” said Isabel Guitton.
