Amitral “AJ” Simon, a former defensive lineman for the University of Albany, passed away. He was twenty-five.
A week before the 2024 NFL Draft, which the standout collegiate football player declared he would be entering in December 2023, comes word of Simon’s passing.
On Wednesday, April 17, the school’s football team announced his passing on their official X account, which was once Twitter.
The text of the statement said,
“The UAlbany football program was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral “AJ” Simon this morning. He was a tremendous young man and even better teammate throughout his time at UAlbany,”
“A role model both on and off the field” was how people remembered him.
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
The squad concluded their statement with, “He will be deeply missed.”
In addition, head football coach Greg Gattuso spoke of his “two joyous year coaching and becoming friends” with Simon on X.
We love you, 8 💜 pic.twitter.com/OhpBlPXvmr
— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) April 17, 2024
AJ Simon’s brief yet eventful collegiate career
Before moving to the University of Albany, Simon started his collegiate career at Bloomsburg University. There, he was selected to the defensive first team of the 2023 CAA, the Phil Steele All-CAA first team, and the FCS Football Central First Team All-American.
The Pennsylvanian was selected for the 2023 Fall CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll, demonstrating his talent off the court.
Simon received honorable recognition, according to the football team’s release, which indicates that his GPA fell between 3.0 and 3.7.