Former Albany pass rusher AJ Simon, NFL draft prospect, passes away

AJ Simon, a former standout pass rusher for the University of Albany, died on Wednesday morning. He was projected to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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

“The UAlbany football program was deeply saddened to learn the passing of former student-athlete Amitral “AJ” Simon this morning,” the official statement said. “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. He will be profoundly missed.”

Several media members reacted to the passing of Simon. “Absolutely tragic: Albany pass rusher AJ Simon, who was considered a potential draft pick, has passed away,” Dane Brugler of The Athletic, wrote on social media. “Simon was a fun player to study and the coaches raved about him on and off the field. Thoughts and prayers to his family.”

“I’m still speechless since I received the news earlier today… Had a chance to sit down with AJ earlier this year and discuss his journey to UAlbany,” college football writer Zach McKinnell wrote on social media. “I want to send my prayers and condolences to the Simon family.”

AJ Simon was a star defender at Albany

Simon arrived at Albany in 2022 after starting his college career at Bloomsburg University. During the 2022 season, Simon recorded 10. 2 tackles and five sacks. He followed that up with 21.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in 2023.

Back in March, Albany held an NFL Pro Day, and Simon talked about his chances of playing in the NFL. I definitely feel like I can get drafted,” he said, per CBS 6 Albany. “I don’t know what round, but I definitely feel like I can get drafted because of the year I’ve had and how versatile I am. Just knowing that other guys see that in me is definitely a blessing because of how hard I work and how much I’ve been through.

Simon recently spoke to Jimmy Williams of NFL Draft Diamonds and talked about what he loves about football. “I just love hitting people,” he said. “The main thing is just being around my guys and building those connections with my guys, being able to trust them. Football is a very physical sport, and I’ve always been physical.”