‘He made people feel comfortable’: FIU linebacker Luke Knox dies at 22

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 on Thursday.

Luke Knox died on 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.

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. pic.twitter.com/07tHUiBByj

“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 on Wednesday. Thursday’s practice was canceled, and grief counselors were brought in to meet with the team and others from the university community.

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,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said Thursday. “We’re right there with him and supporting him and his family. Just tragic news that I woke up to this morning.”

We’re heartbroken to hear of the sudden passing of Luke Knox.Sending all of our thoughts, prayers and support to @Dawson_Knox and the Knox family during this difficult time. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mpkTQYnbve

Luke Knox, who was from Brentwood, Tennessee, primarily played special teams during his time at Ole Miss,