- AJ Simon announced in December that he was entering the 2024 NFL Draft.
- Albany confirmed on Wednesday that Simon had tragically died
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Former Albany star Amitral ‘AJ’ Simon has tragically passed away at the age of just 25, just days before the 2024 NFL Draft.
The defensive lineman was hoping to be selected in the upcoming draft, which will take place next week in Detroit. No cause of death has been confirmed.
“The UAlbany football program was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral ‘AJ’ Simon,” Albany said in a statement.
“AJ was a great young man and an even better teammate throughout his time at UAlbany. He was a role model on and off the field, serving as a pillar of this program over the past two years.
Simon, born in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, appeared in five games for the Great Danes during the 2023 regular season. He began his college career at Bloomsburg University before playing the last two seasons for Albany.
Former Albany star Amitral ‘AJ’ Simon has tragically died aged just 25.
“AJ was a great young man and an even better teammate,” Albany said after his death
Late last month, Simon shared a video online revealing that seven NFL scouts showed up at the Pro Day in Albany to check out the pass rush stud.
On Wednesday, Albany coach Greg Gattuso wrote on social media: “Two years of joy coaching and becoming friends with AJ Simon.
“My prayers are dedicated to the Simon family. I love you AJ and I will always have a special place in my heart for #8.’
Meanwhile, in a poignant post in December, Simon announced he would enter the draft.
“It has been an incredible journey here at UAlbany, and I am immensely grateful for the support, guidance and mentoring provided by the AU staff,” he wrote in a statement.
The lineman was hoping to be selected in the 2024 draft, which takes place next week.
“My time at UAlbany not only honed my athletic skills, but also made me a better person on and off the field.”
He added: “Their guidance was essential in shaping my path to this momentous decision to enter the NFL Draft.
‘Thanks again for everything. I am truly honored to have been a part of the Purple Fam and look forward to the opportunities ahead of me.
“I am excited to represent the University at Albany as I take this next step in my football career. Sad that it’s over but grateful that it happened.
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