BREAKING NEWS: NFL prospect AJ Simon tragically dies aged just 25: Former Albany defensive lineman passes away days before he hoped to realize his dream at 2024 draft – as distraught coach says ‘you will always have a special place in my heart’

The defensive lineman had hoped to be selected at the upcoming draft, which takes place next week in Detroit. No cause of death has been confirmed.

‘The UAlbany football program was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral ‘AJ’ Simon this morning,’ Albany said in a statement.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.’