FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre remembered Knox as a caring and dedicated member of the workforce, saying he admired Knox’s ardour for the game, however “his real love for his household and teammates is what I’ll at all times keep in mind.”

“He had a particular means of creating everybody round him really feel snug and assured. Luke’s household is particular to me, and they’re going to frequently be in my coronary heart and in my prayers throughout this tough time,” MacIntyre mentioned in an announcement.

MacIntyre additionally coached Knox on the College of Mississippi, the place the linebacker spent 4 years earlier than transferring to FIU.

Knox’s older brother, Dawson Knox, additionally performed for Ole Miss earlier than becoming a member of the Payments in 2019. The Knox brothers are from the Nashville suburb of Brentwood, Tennessee.

Payments head coach Sean McDermott started a press convention Thursday by expressing condolences for the Knox household.

“Our hearts exit to Dawson and his household throughout this time, and we’re proper there with him and supporting him and his household,” McDermott mentioned. “Simply tragic information that I woke as much as this morning. We love him and we help him.”

Lane Kiffin, the College of Mississippi’s head soccer coach, additionally posted a tribute to Knox on Twitter.

“There are heavy hearts all through our soccer workforce after the passing of Luke Knox,” it reads. “I’m very grateful for my private relationship and time spent with Luke. He was an amazing teammate and a fair higher one who lifted up everybody round him.”

FIU Athletics mentioned in an announcement that “coaches and help employees have been reaching out to our soccer household and can proceed to take action to make sure our student-athletes have the help they want.”

Knox contributed to the College of Mississippi as a linebacker, a decent finish and on particular groups, in accordance with his profile on the FIU sports activities web site. In his 2021 season with Ole Miss, he performed in seven video games and recorded 11 tackles.