Former Albany defensive lineman, AJ Simon, who had high hopes of being selected in the upcoming NFL Draft, has tragically passed away at the young age of 25.
The UAlbany football program expressed deep sadness upon hearing of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral “AJ” Simon. The university took to social media to share this tragic news on Wednesday.
AJ exemplified the qualities of an exceptional young man and an exceptional teammate during his tenure at UAlbany. His presence on and off the field served as an inspiration to others, solidifying his position as a cornerstone of our program for the past two years.
The passing of Simon has left a deep void in our hearts. Those who knew him will always cherish the memories they shared with him. As his loved ones mourn his loss, they find solace in the fact that his spirit will forever live on. The circumstances surrounding Simon’s death remain a mystery, leaving everyone with unanswered questions. However, what remains undeniable is the impact he had on those around him. His absence will be keenly felt, and his presence will be sorely missed.
Head football coach Greg Gattuso expressed his heartfelt thoughts, sending his prayers to the Simon family. He also conveyed his love and a special place in his heart for AJ, adding the hashtag #8.
Simon, a native of Tobyhanna, PA, spent two seasons playing for the Great Danes after initially starting his college journey at Bloomsburg University.
In 2023, AJ had an exceptional season, showcasing his skills on the field. He recorded an impressive 12.5 sacks throughout the season, which led to him receiving recognition with an All-CAA conference first-team selection.
Simon, who is ranked as the 36th best edge rusher by The Athletic’s draft experts, had high hopes of being selected in the upcoming draft.
Rest in peace.
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