Albany Football Star AJ Simon Dead At 25 Just One Week Before NFL Draft: 'Deeply Saddened'

University of Albany defensive lineman Amitral "AJ" Simon, who had hopes of being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft next week, has died.

He was 25.

Simon's cause of death was not provided, but a UAlbany spokesperson told NEWS-10 he died peacefully.

"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. He will be profoundly missed," the university said in a statement.

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The school also paid tribute to Simon on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday.

Albany's head coach Greg Gattuso wrote on X: "Two joyous [years] 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."

Simon was born in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania. He started his collegiate career at Division II Bloomsburg University of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference before playing his last two seasons for the Great Danes. He reached 10.5 tackles for a loss his first year. During his senior year, he garnered 55 tackles and 12.5 sacks. 

That same year, the Great Danes went 11-4 and reached the semifinals of the 2023 FCS playoffs.

In December, Simon announced his decision to enter the NFL draft in a statement online. 

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"I am truly honored to have been a part of the Purple Fam and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead," he wrote on a December 21 Instagram post. "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."

On April 1, Simon worked out as part of Albany's Pro Day in hopes of catching on to an NFL squad.

The NFL draft will take place between April 25 and 27. The draft is scheduled to be held around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan.