Luke Knox a Florida International University football player and brother

Luke Knox, a Florida International University football player and brother of NFL player Dawson Knox, has died at the age of 22

FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre recalled Knox as a caring and dedicated member of the team, saying he admired Knox’s passion for the sport, but “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 always be in my heart and prayers during this difficult time,” MacIntyre said in a statement.

MacIntyre also coached Knox at the University of Mississippi, where the linebacker spent four years before joining FIU.

Knox’s older brother, Dawson Knox, also played for Ole Miss before joining the Bills in 2019. The Knox brothers hail from the Brentwood, Tennessee suburb of Nashville.

Luke Knox enjoys a fumbling recovery during an NCAA collegiate football game on September 7, 2019 while playing for Ole Miss.Bills head coach Sean McDermott started a press conference Thursday while offering his condolences to the Knox family.

“Our hearts are with Dawson and his family at this time, and we are right with him and supporting him and his family,” McDermott said. “Just tragic news I woke up to this morning. We love him and we support him.”

Lane Kiffin, the University of Mississippi’s head soccer coach, also posted a tribute to Knox on twitter.

“We are deeply saddened across our football team following the passing of Luke Knox,” it said. “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.”

FIU Athletics said in a statement that “Coaches and support staff have reached out to our football family and will continue to do so to ensure our student-athletes have the support they need.”

Knox has served as a linebacker, tight end, and on special teams at the University of Mississippi, according to his profile on the FIU sports site. In his 2021 season with Ole Miss, he played in seven games and recorded 11 tackles.