BUFFALO, N.Y. — As Bills fans do, they are showing up in a big way to support Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox, whose brother, Luke Knox, 22, died Wednesday evening.
Fans began showing support in the way they always do, by sending donations to organizations close to a player who has recently experienced a tragedy. Just as they did for Josh Allen, donating to Oishei Children's Hospital in honor of the quarterback's late grandmother, Patricia Allen.
Since word of Luke Knox's death began circulating, donations have been pouring into P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative, a charity which Dawson Knox has been involved with since he became a member of the Bills.
"Dawson Knox and his family are an incredibly valued and cherished part of our organization. They have stood behind our mission with their whole hearts. In sorrow, we stand with them now at this time of profound loss," said P.U.N.T. Executive Director Gwen Mysiak.
"We, along with Dawson and his family, are overwhelmed with gratitude by the outpouring of support from #BillsMafia, for our mission, in honor of his brother Luke."
As of 8 p.m. Friday, more than $143,000 has been pledged.
"The donations were coming in sometimes as many as ten per minute and our website crashed at one point, so it's just been absolutely amazing," Mysiak said.
According to Mysiak, many donations made were in the amount of $16.88, in acknowledgment of Luke and Dawson Knox's jersey numbers.
Luke, who was preparing to play this season at Florida International University, wore number 16, while his older brother who survives him dons number 88 for the Bills.
"These resources will be meaningful and impactful in our service to WNY families facing pediatric cancer in the ways they need it most," Mysiak said.
Dawson Knox has worked closely with P.U.N.T. and a percentage of proceeds from his sock line "Knox Sox" are donated to P.U.N.T.
According to the Knox Sox webpage, he has helped P.U.N.T. "secure over $50,000 at a time when we never needed it more." He has been working with the organization since his rookie season with the Bills.
Those interested in supporting the cause can do so on the P.U.N.T. donation page.
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