Lane Kiffin releases heartfelt statement on passing of former Ole Miss player Luke Knox
Ole Miss head football coach Lane Kiffin released a statement on Thursday morning following the announcement from FIU that former Rebels linebacker Luke Knox passed away this week at 22 years old. Luke is the younger brother of Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox, who was a second-round draft pick out of Ole Miss.
Kiffin coached Knox for two seasons before he ultimately opted to transfer to FIU for his fifth season this March.
“There are heavy hearts throughout our football team after the passing of Luke Knox,” Kiffin wrote. “I am very grateful for my personal relationship and time spent with Luke. He was a tremendous teammate and an even better person who lifted up everyone around him.
“The Knox family means so much to the Ole Miss family, and our players, staff and the rest of the university extend our deepest sympathies to all those that were touched by Luke’s spirit. I know he is with God now.”
Former Ole Miss Rebels linebacker coach Tyrone Nix shared his sympathies as well.
“Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Luke Knox,” Nix wrote. “My heartfelt condolences goes out to his family in which he thought the world of. May they remain strong in this difficult time. Once a Rebel always a Rebel. #LandShark family for LIFE”
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FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre posted his condolences on Thursday morning.
“Words cannot express the heartfelt sorrow we feel because of the passing of our teammate and friend, Luke Knox,” MacIntyre wrote. “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.
“He had a special way of making everyone around him feel comfortable and confident. Luke’s family is special to me, and they will continually be in my heart and in 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.”
Knox played a total of 23 games during the past four years for the Rebels before opting to transfer in March. His best season came in 2019 at linebacker when he racked up 10 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery. In 2021, he had 11 tackles, two TFLs, a fumble recovery and one pass defended. Coming out of Brentwood Academy (Tenn.), he was a three-star prospect in the 2018 recruiting class, according to the On3 Consensus.