The NFL world was struck with some horrible news on Wednesday, as NFL Draft prospect AJ Simon tragically passed away at the age of just 25.
Simon, an edge rusher out of the University of Albany, was a player not on the radar of many fans with a little over a week until the NFL Draft. However, many draft experts praised Simon as a potential late-round pick with an upside that most were not aware of.
On the field, Simon thrived this past season at Albany, recording 12.5 sacks, 74 pressures, and 21.5 tackles for loss in 2023 which earned him a spot on the All-CAA first-team.
He has taken a pre-draft visit with the New England Patriots, which obviously indicates that the team could have been interested in taking him with a late-round pick.
But unfortunately, the team announced his tragic passing on social media Wednesday.
We love you, 8 💜 pic.twitter.com/OhpBlPXvmr
— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) April 17, 2024
Albany head coach Greg Gattuso shared a heartfelt message on social media in response to news of his death.
“Two joyous years coaching and becoming friends with AJ Simon,” Gattuso tweeted. “My prayers are dedicated to the Simon family. I love you AJ and will always have a special place in my heart for #8.”
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. pic.twitter.com/vps8tqA5O3
— Greg Gattuso (@CoachGGattuso) April 17, 2024
Naturally, many fans shared Coach Gattuso’s sentiments on social media, sharing their condolences for a player and a person like Simon with so much promise and potential.
🙏🏾
— Coach Baskerville (@Abaskerville_7) April 17, 2024
Thank you AJ for the short time we shared together. Rest in paradise brother💙
— Coach Isaac (@coach_hadac) April 17, 2024
RIP #8
— Jason Eck (@Coach_Eck) April 17, 2024
Such sad news. RIP AJ
— US Army Recruiting Battalion – Albany (@GoArmyAlbany) April 17, 2024
There is currently no reported cause of death for Simon at this point. But obviously, it is always incredibly unfortunate to hear about this considering Simon was so close to what could have been the biggest moment of his life at the 2024 NFL Draft.
Condolences to Simon’s family and all of his friends and former teammates not only at Albany but also at Bloomsburg, the school that he previously played at for the first two years of his collegiate career.
