Who was FIU linebacker Luke Knox?
FLORIDA International University linebacker, Luke Knox, was pronounced dead on August 18, 2022.
He was only 22 years old, and his cause of death has not been released.
Who was Luke Knox?
Luke Knox formerly played football as a tight end for the Brentwood Academy in Nashville, Tennessee before he went on to play as a linebacker for Ole Miss in 2018.
He played for the team until 2021 and transferred to Florida International University where he studied business and starred as a linebacker for the football team.
Knox said he was excited about transferring from tight end to linebacker at Ole Miss in an interview with 247Sports.
"I'm really excited about it," Knox said at the time. "Obviously, there is a lot more to learn that I think on defense. Defense is a lot more read and react. Offense is a lot more structured.
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"I'm liking it so far. The tight ends room is pretty open. I love getting out there getting some reps and trying to make some plays."
When Knox was approached to move into the linebacker position at Ole Miss, he had just recovered from surgery for a sports hernia.
"Lebby called me into his office and talked to me about what I thought about making the change with (co-defensive coordinator D.J.) Durkin in there.
"We talked about it, and I said I was wide open for it and would love to do it and I've been looking forward to it," Knox told the outlet.
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He said a lot of his motivation in the sport came from his brother, Buffalo Bills tight end, Dawson Knox, saying it was an advantage having the opportunity to learn from him.
"I talk to him a lot," Dawson said, speaking about his brother.
"He actually was down here a couple of weeks ago before spring and we went out on the field and he led me through a bunch of different drills I can do on my own. Little tips and tricks to run routes and other things for the tight end position."
Dawson continued: "He's helped me out a lot between texting and showing me what to do.
"It's been extremely helpful having someone like him."
What were Luke Knox's football stats?
Knox was ranked in 54th place as the best football player in Tennessee and won three consecutive state titles while playing for Brentwood Academy.
Over the course of his high school and college football career, Knox tallied 48 tackles.
In his final season at Ole Miss in 2021, Knox appeared as a tight end instead of his previous linebacker position.
He played in seven games and recorded 11 tackles, a recovered fumble, and one pass defended.
According to FIU's website, Knox was scheduled to return to his linebacker position for the 2022 season before his untimely death.
How did Luke Knox die?
The Buffalo Bills head coach, Sean McDermott, confirmed the news of Knox's passing at the Buffalo Bills training camp on August 18.
He told reporters: "Our hearts go out to Dawson and his family during this time.
"We're right there with him and supporting him and his family. Just tragic news that I woke up to this morning."
FIU's head coach Mike MacIntyre also spoke out, sending his condolences to Knox's family.
"Words cannot express the heartfelt sorrow we feel because of the passing of our teammate and friend Luke Knox," he said in a school release.
"I had the honor of coaching Luke at Ole Miss and 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."
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He continued: "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."