The 2024 NFL Draft is just a week away and a defensive end prospect from the University of Albany has passed away.
Defensive end Amitral “A.J.” Simon was looking to make his way into the NFL after playing for the Albany Great Danes since 2022.
Details regarding the death of NFL Draft prospect A.J. Simon are unclear although a heart attack is the initial report
While there is no official word as to what the cause of death for NFL Draft prospect A.J. Simon was, a heart attack is being reported by several outlets.
The actual details of what occurred remain unclear and there are still some reports that say he was found last night and there are no details beyond that.
Awful news to report. 2024 Draft Prospect Albany DE AJ Simon has passed. Prayers and condolences to his family, teammates, friends, coaches, and anyone impacted. I am told he was found last night but no details beyond that. https://t.co/cNG2vjXJAQ
— Josh (@joshbdraft) April 17, 2024
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
TRAGEDY! AJ Simon, DE prospect in the 2024 NFL draft, has passed away.
He was coming up on a day he worked so hard for and tragically lost his life to a heart attack just a week before. Just wow! May he RIP 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/qSopoSXsLv
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) April 17, 2024
The Tobyhanna, Pa. native was 6-foot-1 and 247-pounds. He was preparing for a chance to be drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft in the months leading up to his death.
A.J. Simon’s standout seasons at Albany made him a prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft
A.J. Simon was nothing short of elite as a defensive end for Albany in 2023. His impact was felt in the pass rush as well as the run defense.
Despite lacking the traditional length of an NFL defensive end, Simon totaled 12.5 sacks in his final season at Albany.
Along with 21.5 tackles for loss, Simon was a complete game-wrecker at the FCS level. Along with the high level of sacks and tackles in the backfield, Simon also had two forced fumbles and 55 tackles.
He recovered two fumbles and hit the quarterback 19 times. All of these stats were significant improvement over his solid 2022 numbers where he had 30 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and five total sacks.
Reading The Beast always helps identify small school guys and one is EDGE AJ Simon from Albany. Popped in the FCS playoffs against Richmond pic.twitter.com/UbmaZqSwfQ
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) April 15, 2024
Condolences for NFL Draft prospect A.J. Simon poured out on social media
In an article from the Daily Mail, head coach Greg Gattuso’s condolences for A.J. Simon were detailed. The Albany coach took to social media to explain his relationship with the NFL Draft prospect.
‘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.’
Albany coach Greg Gattuso added on on social media: ‘Two joyous year 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.’
Many others in the NFL world followed in Gattuso’s footsteps, sharing their condolences for the tragic passing of Simon via social media.
Absolutely tragic: Albany pass rusher AJ Simon, who was considered a potential draft pick, has passed away.
Simon was a fun player to study and the coaches raved about him on and off the field. Thoughts and prayers to his family. https://t.co/BjLscka23e
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 17, 2024
Former University at Albany defensive end AJ Simon – a 2024 NFL Draft prospect – has tragically passed away.
Prayers to his family and close ones during this time 🙏 https://t.co/KvC5bymnWp
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 17, 2024
Thoughts and prayers out to the Simon family and the Albany Football Family. AJ was just up here at UB for the Pro Day. Didn’t know him but kid was a great player. Man life is short!!!! https://t.co/bsi5PVNlYm
— Coach Caleb Haynes (@Biggame_24) April 17, 2024
I’m still speechless since I received the news earlier today… Had a chance to sit down with AJ earlier this year and discuss his journey to UAlbany
I want to send my prayers and condolences to the Simon family 🙏🏼 https://t.co/t48Ba3UoJ6
— Zach McKinnell (@zachmckinnell) April 17, 2024
Tragic. Former UAlbany Great Dane AJ Simon has passed away. Simon had declared for the NFL Draft, and was hoping to hear his named called a week from tomorrow. https://t.co/OcP1I7sAnG
— Griffin Haas (@Griffin__Haas) April 17, 2024
Simon is survived by his father Amitral Simon, mother Felma Simon and two sisters Dominque and Doranella.
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