AJ Simon Jr., a promising football player, dies before the NFL draft

Amitral “AJ” Simon Jr., who played for the University at Albany during the Great Danes’ 2023 FCS playoff run, died on April 17 at the age of 25. No explanation for death has been released, but Simon was visiting teams pre-draft ahead of the NFL Draft, which this 12 months can be held April 25-27.

As reported by the University at Albany posted a tribute to Simon on his Twitter account/X.

“The UAlbany football program is deeply saddened to learn this morning of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral “AJ” Simon,” the post read. “AJ was a great young man and an even better teammate throughout his time at UAlbany. He has been a role model both on and off the field, serving as a pillar of this program for the past two years. He will be greatly missed.”

Simon was fondly remembered by his teammates and former head coach Greg Gattuso, who in his Twitter/X post described the two years he spent as coach and growing near Simon as “exhilarating.”

SSimon, who recorded 12.5 sacks in 2023, was also named to the 2023 All-CAA Defensive Team, the Phil Steele All-CAA First Team and the FCS Football Central First Team. In addition to those on-field honors, he was also named CAA Commissioner’s Fall 2023 Honor Roll.

Announcing his declaration to enter the NFL draft, Simon thanked the coaching staff for his or her guidance and mentorship along the way.

“The coaching staff’s dedication and commitment, valuable resources and unwavering support system have been instrumental in my development as a player. Their guidance was instrumental in shaping my path leading to this momentous decision to enter the NFL Draft.”

Simon concluded: “Thank you again for everything. I am truly honored to be a part of the Purple Fam and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. I am excited to represent the University at Albany as I take the next step in my soccer career. It’s a shame it’s over, but I’m glad it happened. With that in mind, I will enter my name in the 2024 NFL Draft!”

According to reports, several tributes have poured in for Simon via social media. Although no official explanation for death has been released, some Twitter/X accounts speculate that he died of a heart attack. AND GoFundMe was began by Dominique Simon, his sister, which exceeded the original $30,000 requested. According to the fundraiser, Simon’s funeral can be held on April 29 at Pocono Community Church in his hometown of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania.