Mystery surrounds the cause of death for NCAA and NFL prospect AJ Simon
AJ Simon, a former defensive lineman for Albany and a projected pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, sadly went suddenly at the early age of 25. The sad news was shared on social media on Wednesday by the University of Albany, which also expressed its sincere condolences for the former student-athlete’s passing.
“The UAlbany football program was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral “AJ” Simon this morning,” stated a statement from the university.
Tragic: 2024 #NFL draft prospect AJ Simon has tragically passed away, reportedly due to heart attack.
💔💔💔
AJ was a pass rusher at University at Albany and had dreams of being drafted this year. He was just 25-years-old. pic.twitter.com/fQy4SHPxr7
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 17, 2024
“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.
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“He will be profoundly missed.”
The reason for the death is yet unknown.
While they honor his achievements in the sport, family, friends, and fans are in mourning as the cause or manner of his sudden death remains unknown.
Nine Great Danes in total participated in yesterday's Pro Day, including FCS All-Americans @asimonxxi and @Dylankelly_12. Full round-up of the day at the link below:@UAlbanyFootball @UAlbanySports @CoachGGattuso https://t.co/JmlqHxUfSP
— Tommy Valentine (@TommyVtine116) March 27, 2024
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Along with expressing his love and happy memories of Simon, head football coach Greg Gattuso also sent condolences.
“My prayers are dedicated to the Simon family,” he stated.
“I love you AJ and will always have a special place in my heart for #8.”
Draft Sleeper⤵️
7 NFL scouts up at Albany’s Pro Day to check out pass rush stud AJ Simon @asimonxxi (fellow alum of @PMWathletics)
Consistent power/shock, active hands, good closing burst. Lots of moves. Huge production in ‘23. Big season for the @UAlbanyFootball program! pic.twitter.com/iyINwHgbPO
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) March 27, 2024
Simon 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗙𝗙 at UAlbany Pro Day 😤@asimonxxi | @ualbanyfootball | @ualbanysports | @caasports | @caafootball | #CAAfb | #proday | #nfl pic.twitter.com/reJfUwbMGQ
— FloFootball (@FloFootball) April 1, 2024
After completing his undergraduate studies at Bloomsburg University, Simon, a native of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, relocated to Albany. With 12.5 sacks and a first-team nomination to the All-CAA conference in 2023, his outstanding performance on the field demonstrated his talent.
Simon had high expectations for being taken in the 2018 NFL, as he was ranked by the analysts at The Athletic as the 36th best edge rusher.
