“Sad that it’s over, but grateful that it happened.” These were the words from NFL Draft prospect AJ Simon’s final Instagram post as he bid goodbye to the University of Albany, hoping for a pro career. But now these words will resonate strongly among Albany faithful, as Simon tragically passed away at the age of 25, days before the NFL Draft.

The news of his untimely death was announced by the university’s football team on X on Wednesday. The statement read, “The UAlbany football program was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral ‘AJ’ Simon this morning… He will be profoundly missed.” The statement mentioned Simon as a role model both on and off the field. As of this moment, the cause of death remains unknown.

Touted as an exciting NFL prospect, Simon visited the New England Patriots last week

Albany football had a memorable 2023 season and AJ Simon played a big role in it. The Great Danes secured their first CAA championship and made it to their first FCS semifinal appearance. Simon played in 15 games and recorded 55 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. 

With his number of sacks, Simon ranked No. 2 for the Great Danes and has been looking forward to getting picked by an NFL team in this year’s draft to fulfill his NFL dream. In late March during the UAlbany Pro Day, he said, “The scouts are saying some positive things. You just never know. It’s time to play the waiting game. Just stay in shape. My chances (of being drafted), I feel like they’re pretty high.” His impressive performances earned a top-30 visit with the New England Patriots.

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Simon hailed from Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, and began his collegiate career at Bloomsburg University. He then moved to the University of Albany where he stayed for two years. In 2023, he had 12.5 sacks as he completed a standout year with a spot on the All-CAA first-team defense and Phil Steele All-CAA first-team selection. In his two years at Albany, he appeared in 24 games with 32 tackles for loss and an impressive 16.5 sacks.

In December, Simon announced that he would be entering the NFL Draft and bid farewell to UAlbany in an Instagram post. He wrote, “It has been an incredible journey here at UAlbany, and I am immensely grateful for the support, guidance, and mentorship provided by the UA staff.” He thanked those at UA for guiding him before mentioning, “I am thrilled to represent the University at Albany as I take this next step in my football career. Sad that it’s over but grateful that it happened.”

As the news of his death broke out, tributes poured in, with his head coach at Albany Greg Gattuso offering his condolences along with others.

“AJ would text me for cool edits,” Simon’s team at UA joins others in mourning tragic demise

The news of Simon’s tragic passing away has shaken the NFL world. On his pro day, Simon impressed with a 4.59-second 40-yard dash time, and put up impressive numbers across the board. This led Albany HC Greg Gattuso to urge NFL teams not to miss out on Simon in the draft. A month later, the coach is mourning the player’s demise.

He stated, “Two joyous years coaching and becoming friends with AJ Simon… I love you AJ and will always have a special place in my heart for #8.”

Albany’s director of digital content and communications Taylor O’Connor shared Simon’s enthusiasm to be part of the NFL. He said, “AJ would text me for cool edits after the season ended and he started prepping for the NFL Draft. (He) was always so kind and appreciative of everything I sent him. I joked with him “Don’t forget about me when you make it to the NFL!” He laughed and said “Never!” Rest easy, 8.”

As good as Simon was on the field, he was equally good off it. He was named a part of the 2023 Fall CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. Jared Ambrose, the assistant head coach at UAlbany was also distraught as he offered his condolences. He said, “Words can’t express who he was, what he meant to so many, and how big his smile was. He brought light to everyone who came across him. Gone too soon but he’s part of us forever.”

Simon’s efforts on the pro day and his performances with Albany led Dane Brugler, an analyst for The Athletic, to rank Simon as the 36th-best edge-rusher in the 2024 draft class. Shocked by the tragic news, Brugler also took to X to offer his condolences.

Just a few weeks ago, Simon shared a video online that revealed that seven NFL scouts had shown up to Albany’s Pro Day to check out his play. The news of Simon’s death comes days after Texas A&M-Commerce wide receiver Keith Miller III was found dead. He was only 23.

Young athletes dying too soon hit fans on another level. A heartbroken fan wrote, “R.I.P young fella gone too soon for sure.” 

Another person also expressed their disbelief after the news came out and wrote, “25? That’s terrible. RIP.” AJ Simon would have entered next week’s NFL draft in Detroit as ESPN’s 448th prospect if he were alive and well.

It’s heartbreaking to see a budding athlete depart at a young age especially when he almost got to his goal. Our thoughts are with his family in this time of grief.