Stunning news from the world of football today as a prospective prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft died after suffering a suspected heart attack Wednesday.
Former University of Albany defensive lineman AJ Simon, aged 25, has died. An official cause of death has yet to be announced. The school announced Simon’s passing via X — formerly Twitter — saying:
“The UAlbany football program was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral ‘AJ’ Simon this morning. 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.”
Simon’s Death a Shock to NFL Draft followers
Word of Simon’s sudden death rocked the Albany community, as well as followers of the NFL Draft. Simon was a first-team All-Coastal Athletic Association defensive end that had 12.5 sacks last season. He also led Albany to the semifinals of the NCAA FCS playoffs in 2023.
The native of Tobyhanna, Penn., began his collegiate career at Bloomsburg University before playing the past two seasons with the Great Danes. His former coach, Greg Gattuso also took to X to express his sorrow, saying:
“My prayers are dedicated to the Simon family. I love you AJ and will always have a special place in my heart for #8.”
Simon had Decent Chance of Hearing His Name Called at NFL Draft
Simon, who logged five sacks and 10.5 tackles for a loss for Albany in 2022 before exploding for 12.5 sacks, 74 quarterback pressures and 21.5 tackles for a loss last season, was among the hopefuls of hearing his name called at the 2024 NFL Draft.
Among the teams reported to be interested in the 6-foot-1, 264-pounder was the New England Patriots. Simon took a pre-draft visit to Foxboro last week. NFL insider Dan Bugler ranked Simon as the 36th-best edge-rusher that would have been available for the NFL Draft, scheduled to take place April 25-27.
For More Great Sports Content
Tom Carothers is a sportswriter with more than 20 years of experience covering sports at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. Still longing for the return of his Minnesota North Stars, he has a high pain tolerance as a big fan of the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Browns, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
