Dawson Knox says returning to Buffalo Bills, preparing for season has been 'therapeutic' in wake of brother Luke's death

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Preparations are in full swing for the Buffalo Bills' season opener against the Rams on Thursday night in Los Angeles. For tight end Dawson Knox, it's been a healthy outlet after his younger brother, Luke, a linebacker at Florida International, died last month.

«Just getting back up here, getting in the routine, seeing all my teammates, seeing my coaches, definitely from a distraction standpoint it's great, too,» Knox said Monday in his first comments since Luke died. «But it's also very therapeutic just doing what I love with the guys that I love. I know that my brother would want it that way, too. He wants me to give everything I got. I know he is gonna be watching somehow, someway, so yeah, it's definitely been great being back up here, getting back with all the guys.»

Luke Knox died Aug. 17, at the age of 22. He had spent the past four seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to FIU. His cause of death hasn't been announced; the university said at the time that police didn't suspect foul play.

FIU honored Knox with a moment of silence at its season opener against Bryant on Thursday, and each Panthers player wore a helmet decal with his No. 16. His teammates also brought out his jersey for the pregame coin flip.

The Bills also held a moment of silence for Knox prior to their second preseason game against the Denver Broncos last month. Multiple players, including linebacker Tyrel Dodson and tight end Tommy Sweeney, wore a T-shirt that had the phrase «Long Live Luke» on it.

Dawson Knox spent time away from the Bills after his brother's death, but was back on the field Aug. 23. Knox said when he returned to Buffalo, he realized for the first time that the city really feels like a second home to him.

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