Former University of Albany defensive lineman Amitral “AJ” Simon has passed away. He was 25 years old.
News of Simon's death comes a week before the start of the 2024 NFL Draft, which the college football star announced he will enter in December 2023.
The school's football team announced his death in an official statement. X on Wednesday, April 17th, formerly on our Twitter account.
“The UALBANY football program was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral “AJ” Simon. He was a great young man and an even better teammate throughout his time at UALBANY.” says the statement.
He was remembered as a “role model on and off the field” who served “as a pillar of this program for the past two years.”
“He will be greatly missed,” the team wrote at the end of its statement.
Head football coach Greg Gattuso also remembered Simon. XHe said that he had spent “a fun two years coaching him and becoming friends.''
“My prayers go out to the Simon family. I love AJ and #8 will always have a special place in my heart,” his statement continued.
Taylor O'Connor, the team's director of digital content and communications, said Simon “starts texting me after the season ends and he starts preparing for the NFL Draft looking for cool edits.”
”[He] He was always so kind and grateful for everything I sent him. I joked with him, “When you go to the NFL, don't forget about me!” He laughed and said, “Never!” '' O'Connor recalled. X.
Simon began his college career at Bloomsburg University before transferring to the University at Albany where he was a 2023 All-CAA First Team Defensive selection, Phil Steele All-CAA First Team selection, and FCS Football Central First Team All-American honoree. Served. .
The Penn State native also showed his talent off the field, as he was selected as part of the Fall 2023 CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll.
Never miss a news. Sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up to date on everything PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to human interest stories.
Simon received the prestigious award, meaning his GPA was between 3.0 and 3.7, according to a statement from the soccer team.
