The sudden and tragic passing of college football player Amitral “AJ” Simon has stunned the sports world. The 25-year-old, who transferred to the University of Albany in New York to pursue his football dreams, passed away just days before he might have realized his dream of playing professional football.
Simon, a gifted defensive lineman, had made a significant impact at Albany. He was a first-team All-CAA defensive end and played a vital role in leading Albany to the semifinals of the NCAA FCS playoffs in 2023. His athletic prowess and dedication to the sport had earned him a pre-draft visit to New England, and there were high hopes that he might have been drafted in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Albany’s head coach, Greg Gattuso, paid tribute to Simon, expressing his deep sorrow at the loss and highlighting the impact Simon had on the team and the coach personally.
The news of Simon’s passing has left the community in disbelief and mourning. The University of Albany expressed profound sadness at the loss of Simon, describing him as a “tremendous young man and even better teammate” during his time at the university.
Simon’s sudden death has come as a shock to everyone, especially as it occurred just a week before the 2024 NFL Draft, which he had announced he would be entering in December 2023.
The impact of Amitral “AJ” Simon on and off the field was evident in the outpouring of grief and tributes from his colleagues, coaches, and the wider sports community. Simon’s former teammates and the sports world are left grieving the loss of an exceptional athlete who had a promising future ahead.
The tragic passing of AJ Simon serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact individuals can have in their communities. As the sports world grapples with this loss, the memory of Simon’s talent, dedication, and character will live on as an enduring testament to his legacy.
