FIU’s linebacker Luke Knox dies at 22 but who was he?
Though felt in vastly differing degrees, family, friends and fans alike will be left hurting over what the young man’s life could’ve become.
Though questions around his cause of death remain, the sad truth is that a young man lost his life way too soon.
Florida International University LB Luke Knox dies at 22
According to a statement released by FIU coach Mike MacIntyre on Thursday morning, linebacker Luke Knox passed away at the age of 22. MacIntyre did not indicate a cause of death, but expressed his understandable sadness.
“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. 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 my prayers during this difficult time. On behalf of the entire FIU football family, I extend sincere condolences to Luke’s family and all who love him.”
Who was Luke Knox?
A native of Brentwood, Tennessee and the younger brother of Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox, Luke transferred to FIU during the offseason, where he saw his minutes increase significantly. Overall, the young LB registered 10 tackles in that 2019 campaign. Interestingly, Knox would be moved to tight during 2021 spring training following and impressive showing in the 2020 season. Ultimately, he would return to his role as a linebacker where he posted 11 tackles in seven games to go with a fumble recovery.
FIU and Ole Miss hurt by Luke Knox’s passing
In a statement released by FIU, the institution expressed both sadness and support. “We are saddened by the sudden passing of Luke Knox, a member of the FIU Football program. We send our thoughts and prayers to Luke’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time,” FIU Athletics said in a statement. “Coaches and support staff have been reaching out to our football family and will continue to do so to ensure our student-athletes have the support they need.”
Such was the impact that Knox made, even his former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin released a statement on Thursday in the wake of his death. “There are heavy hearts throughout our football team after the passing of Luke Knox,” Kiffin wrote. “I am very grateful for my personal relationship and time spent with Luke. 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. I know he is with God now.”
NFL teams react to Luke Knox’s death
As metnioned above, Knox’s older brother Dawson currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. Fittingly, Bills headcoach Sean McDermott expressed his sadness along with condolences to his player and family following the sad news:
Similar sentiments were echoed by Tennessee Titans headcoach Mike Vrabel: