AJ Simon, a University at Albany football player who was preparing for the upcoming NFL Draft, has died suddenly at age 25, the school shared Wednesday.
Amitral “AJ” Simon Jr., originally from Tobyhanna, Pa., was a standout defensive lineman for the Great Danes’ football program in 2023.
Two joyous year coaching and becoming friends with AJ Simon. My prayers are dedicated to the Simon family. I love you AJ and will always have a special place in my heart for #8. pic.twitter.com/vps8tqA5O3
— Greg Gattuso (@CoachGGattuso) April 17, 2024
So far, there’s been no cause of death given and very few details as to what transpired on Wednesday.
“The UAlbany football program was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral ‘AJ’ Simon this morning,” the university stated on X. “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.”
After beginning his college career at Division II Bloomsburg University, Simon transferred to Albany and played two seasons for the Danes.
Last year, he helped lead the team to a first Coastal Athletic Association championship, their first trip to the FCS semifinals and most program wins in a single season, 11.
The 6-foot-1, 260-pound defender recorded 12.5 sacks on the year and was a 2023 All-CAA first-team defensive selection.
University at Albany Head Football Coach Greg Gattuso remembered Simon in a post to X on Wednesday, writing: “Two joyous year coaching and becoming friends with AJ Simon. My prayers are dedicated to the Simon family. I love you AJ and will always have a special place in my heart for #8.
