Amitral "AJ" Simon Jr., a defensive lineman for the University at Albany football program, died on April 17 at 25 years old.
Simon was one of the players hoping to hear his name called during the 2024 NFL Draft. He was a standout player for the Great Danes during the team's journey to the FCS semifinals.
Playing primarily as an edge rusher, Simon recorded 17.5 sacks during his time at Albany, including 12.5 in the 2023 season. He helped the team finish with an 11-4 record on the campaign.
Here is more on Simon's death ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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NFL Draft prospect dies
The Albany football program announced Simon’s death in a social media post on April 17.
We love you, 8 💜 pic.twitter.com/OhpBlPXvmr
— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) April 17, 2024
Forever a Great Dane pic.twitter.com/OoNxvLsqNb
— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) April 17, 2024
"The UAlbany football program was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral ‘AJ’ Simon this morning," the school’s post read. "AJ was a tremendous young man and even better teammate throughout his time at UAlbany. He was a role model both on and off the field, serving as a pillar to this program over the last two years. He will be profoundly missed."
The 6-foot-1, 267-pound rusher touted out as a potential late-round pick for the 2024 NFL Draft, according to The Athletic.
“The No. 1 constant from his tape was the effort, which earned him a lot of attention from NFL teams the last few months," The Athletic’s Dane Brugler said. "I thought his competitive play personality gave him a legitimate chance to stick in the NFL, either as a late-round draft pick or priority free agent. His passing is heartbreaking news for so many people, including the NFL community.”
AJ Simon cause of death
Simon's cause of death was not revealed at the time of the news. There has been no update with the NFL Draft set to get underway this week.
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AJ Simon GoFundMe
Simon' family set up a GoFundMe in order to pay for the funeral expenses.
"With a heavy heart, we are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved AJ," the post read. "On April 16, 2024, our family lost a piece of our heart that will forever be missed. AJ was an amazing son, brother, uncle, teammate, friend and inspiration to many. He was a star on and off the field with an immense impact on the youth and community. His smile was contagious. His laugh and his presence would light up a room.
"He was at the pinnacle of his football career with the NFL draft ahead of him. AJ’s love for the game was known to all those who knew him. We are so proud of the man he was and still is. We will continue to cheer him on forever through cherished memories.
"Our family is now faced with the unfortunate reality of his sudden passing but are determined to make sure he is given the proper send off to represent who he was, not only to his family, but to all of those he inspired. We are humbly asking for donations to be able to offset the funeral expenses. We appreciate all of your love and support during this time.
"If love could have saved him, he would have lived forever."
The GoFundMe was set with the goal of $30,000 but surpassed that total before draft week started.