FIU linebacker Luke Knox has died at the age of 22, the school announced Thursday. Knox, a native of Brentwood, Tennessee, joined FIU during the offseason after spending the last four years with Ole Miss.
“We are saddened by the sudden death of Luke Knox, a member of the FIU football program,” the school said in a statement. “We send our thoughts and prayers to Luke’s family, friends and teammates at this difficult time. Coaches and coaches have reached out to our football family and will continue to do so to ensure our student-athletes have the support they need.”
A cause of death was not announced. Mike MacIntyre, FIU’s freshman year coach, was Knox’s defensive coordinator at Ole Miss in 2019.
“Words cannot express the heartfelt sadness we feel at the passing of our teammate and friend Luke Knox.” said MacIntyre. “I’ve had the privilege of coaching Luke at Ole Miss and at FIU. While I admired his passion for football, I will always remember his genuine love for his family and teammates. He had a special way of making everyone around him feel comfortable and confident. Luke’s family is special to me and they will always be in my heart and prayers during this difficult time. On behalf of the entire FIU football family, I offer my sincere condolences to Luke’s family and to everyone who loves him.”
Knox appeared in every game for the Rebels in 2019 and started twice, recording 10 tackles, two TFLs and two pass deflections. He played three games on special teams in 2020 and returned in 2021 to have 11 tackles, two TFLs and a fumbled recovery.
“We are very saddened across our football team following the passing of Luke Knox,” said Rebels coach Lane Kiffin wrote on Twitter. “I’m very grateful for my personal relationship and the time I’ve spent with Luke. He was a great teammate and an even better person who lifted everyone around him. The Knox family means the Ole Miss family and our players, staff and the rest of the university extends our deepest sympathy to all those who have been touched by Luke’s spirit. I know he’s with God now.”
Knox is the younger brother of Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox, who played for Ole Miss from 2016-2018.
“Tough morning. Our hearts are with Dawson and his family at this time.” said Bills coach Sean McDermott. “I woke up this morning to tragic news. We love him and support him.”