(Daily360.com) AJ Simon, a University of Albany Defensive Lineman and NFL prospect, died at the age of 25. Simon’s death was announced on April 17 and the cause of his death is unknown. Simon had enrolled in the 2024 NFL draft after having an impressive 2023 season with 55 tackles and 12.5 sacks.
Coach Greg Gattuso honored Simon with a post on X and shared his prayers for the family of the deceased player. In December, Simon announced he would be leaving the University of Albany to pursue the NFL draft. Just weeks before his untimely death, Simon posted on social media that scouts from seven NFL teams were present to watch him train.
Several members of his former team have made comments honoring the Simon. Jared Verse, an expected first round draft pick in the NFL draft, said that Simon was “gone too soon.” Verse also expressed disbelief that his former teammate has passed and that they had just recently spoken to each other. More former teammates expressed their love for Simon and another teammate said he just spoke to AJ just days before the announcement of his death.
Simon’s family has launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds for funeral expenses. The page was started by Dominique Simon and has a goal of $30,000. The crowdfunding statement says that the family is proud of AJ. They noted his success on the field and his “immense impact” he also had off the field by impacting the “youth and community.” The fundraising effort has raised over $21,000 of the goal with more than 330 donations.
Another college football player died unexpectedly the previous week on April 11. Texas A&M receiver, Keith Miller III, passed away of unknown causes. His girlfriend, Caila Jae, addressed his death and wanted to make sure “fake news” wasn’t spread. She said that he had been “mentally battling something” and neither she nor his mother was able to help him. She also stated that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him and would see him soon.
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