FIU football player Luke Knox dies at 22

MIAMI, Fla. — FIU football player Luke Knox, who appeared in 23 games at Mississippi 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 evening, school officials said. The cause was not revealed, though the university said police do not suspect foul play.

Knox, who studied business, was 22.

“Words cannot express the heartfelt sorrow we feel because of the passing of our teammate and friend, Luke Knox," FIU coach Mike MacIntyre wrote on social media. “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."

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.

“You had such a love for life and the game of football," FIU quarterback Gunnar Holmberg wrote in a social media post Thursday. “Never failed to put a smile on those around you. Grateful for the time we had together. Words can't explain how you'll be missed."

Dawson Knox, Luke Knox's older brother, is entering his fourth season with the Bills.

“Our hearts go out to Dawson and his family during this time," Buffalo coach Sean McDermott said Thursday before practice. “We're right there with him and supporting him and his family. Just tragic news that I woke up to this morning. We love him and we support him."

Dawson Knox was not on the field for the Bills' practice.

Luke Knox, who was from Brentwood, Tennessee, primarily played special teams during his time at Ole Miss, and he had 11 tackles in his four seasons there. He switched to tight end in 2021 though appeared as a linebacker on FIU's roster this season.

MacIntyre was defensive coordinator at Ole Miss during Knox's time with the Rebels. MacIntyre is in his first season at FIU.

“He had a special way of making everyone around him feel comfortable and confident," MacIntyre said. “Luke's family is special to me, and they will continually be in my heart and in my prayers during this difficult time."

FIU opens its season Sept. 1 against Bryant.