Admiral “AJ” Simon Jr., a standout player for the University at Albany football program during its run to the FCS semifinals, died Wednesday at the age of 25. The program announced Simon’s death in a social media post. The cause has not been revealed.
Simon, a native of Tobyhanna, Pa., played two seasons at UAlbany after beginning his college career at Bloomsburg University (Pa.). As a 6-foot-1, 267-pound runner, he recorded 17.5 sacks during his time in Albany, including 12.5 during the 2023 season, when the team finished with an 11-4 record .
Forever a Great Dane pic.twitter.com/OoNxvLsqNb
– Albany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) April 17, 2024
“The UAlbany football program was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral ‘AJ’ Simon,” the school’s message read. “AJ was a great young man and an even better teammate throughout his time at UAlbany. He has been a role model on and off the field, serving as a pillar of this program over the past two years. He will be deeply missed.
Simon left school after the 2023 season and hoped to be selected in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
“The No. 1 constant on his tape was effort,” AthleticismDane Brugler said of Simon, “which has earned him a lot of attention from NFL teams in recent months.” I thought his competitive playing personality gave him a legitimate chance to stay in the NFL, either as a late-round pick or as a priority free agent. His passing is heartbreaking news for so many people, including the NFL community. »
(Photo: Matthew Lynch/Cal Sport Media via Associated Press)