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.
“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.”
“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.”