Amitral “AJ” Simon Jr., a standout player for the University of Albany football program heading to the FCS semifinals, died Wednesday at the age of 25. The program announced Simon's death in a social media post. The cause was not disclosed.
A native of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, Simon began his collegiate career at Bloomsburg (Pa.) University before playing two seasons at Albany University. As a 6-foot-1, 267-pound edge rusher, he had 17.5 sacks during his time at Albany, including 12.5 sacks in the 2023 season, when the team finished 11-4.
forever great dane pic.twitter.com/OoNxvLsqNb
— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) April 17, 2024
“The University of Albany football program is deeply saddened to learn this morning of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral “AJ” Simon,” the school's post reads. “AJ was a great young man and an even better teammate throughout his time at UAlbany. He was a role model on and off the field and served as a pillar of this program over the past two years. He will be greatly missed. It will be.”
Simon had hoped to leave school after the 2023 season and be selected in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
“The most constant thing on his tape was effort.” The Athletic's Dane Brugler said of Simon: I thought his competitive playing personality gave him a legitimate chance to remain in the NFL as a final round draft pick or priority free agent. His death is heartbreaking news to many, including the NFL community. ”
(Photo: Matthew Lynch/Cal Sport Media via Associated Press)
