College Football Star Dies Suddenly At 25 One Week Before NFL Draft

A former Albany college football star who was set to enter the NFL draft in one week has died unexpectedly at the age of 25.

In a statement, the alma mater of Amitral “AJ” Simon said on Wednesday that its football program “was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral “AJ” Simon this morning.”

“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,” the statement reads according to TMZ. “He will be profoundly missed.”

Albany head coach Greg Gattuso, who worked with the defensive lineman for two seasons, added his own thoughts. “My prayers are dedicated to the Simon family. I love you AJ and will always have a special place in my heart for #8.”

Jared Ambrose, associate head coach for the Huskies, added, “Words can’t express who he was, what he meant to so many and how big his smile was.”

‘He brought light to everyone who came across him. Gone too soon but he’s part of us forever.’

Another team official, Taylor O’Connor, shared a story about Simon on social media captured by the Daily Mail.

“AJ would text me for cool edits after the season ended and he started prepping for the NFL Draft,” O’Connor wrote.

“(He) was always so kind and appreciative of everything I sent him. I joked with him ‘Don’t forget about me when you make it to the NFL!’ He laughed and said ‘Never!’ Rest easy, 8.”

“It has been an incredible journey here at UAlbany, and I am immensely grateful for the support, guidance and mentorship provided by the UA staff,” he wrote in a statement.

“My time at UAlbany has not only honed my athletic skills but has also shaped me into a better individual both on and off the field. Their guidance has been pivotal in shaping my path toward this momentous decision to enter the NFL draft.”

He continued, “Thank you once again for everything. I am truly honored to have been a part of the Purple Fam and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. I am thrilled 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.”

Simon, a native of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, transferred to Albany after starting his collegiate playing career at Bloomsburg University where he played two seasons with the Huskies and recorded 20 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a freshman, according to a player biography by the school. Simon described his favorite movie as “White Chicks” and his favorite restaurant on campus as Chik-fil-A. Asked to name the best thing about his hometown, Simon wrote “nothing.”

After transferring to Albany in 2022, the 6″1″ junior totaled 30 tackles and 5 sacks. The following year he posted a stellar record, racking up 12.5 sacks, and earning an All-CAA conference first-team nod. Simon was ranked the 36th best edge rusher by The Athletic’s draft experts and was floated as a potential pick during the April 25th to 27th NFL draft.

The son of Amitral Simon and Felma Simon, Simon also leaves behind sisters Dominque and Doranella.

No cause of Simon’s death was disclosed.