Albany NFL draft enthusiastic Simon dies at age 25

Apr 17, 2024, 05:46 PM ET

Previous Albany defensive lineman AJ Simon, who was intending to be selected in next week’s NFL draft, has actually died at the age of 25, the school revealed Wednesday.The cause of Simon’s

death wasn’t instantly known.”The UAlbany football program was deeply saddened to discover of the passing of previous student-athlete Amitral’AJ ‘Simon this morning,”Albany stated in a declaration posted to X.” AJ was a significant boy and even much 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 2 years.” We love you, 8 pic.twitter.com/OhpBlPXvmr!.?.!— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball )April 17, 2024 Simon, who had 12.5 sacks last season

for Albany, was ranked as the 448th prospect in the current NFL draft rankings from ESPN’s Matt Miller.Simon, a 2023 All-CAA first-team protective choice, was from Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania. He played the previous two seasons for Albany after beginning his collegiate career at Bloomsburg University.”My prayers are committed to the Simon household. I enjoy you AJ and will constantly have an unique location in my heart for # 8,”Albany coach Greg Gattuso posted to X.