- The cause of death has not yet been revealed after Simon died on Wednesday.
- Former coaches and players opened up about Simon after
- DailyMail.com provides the latest international sports news.
More tributes poured out on social media Thursday in honor of late NFL Draft prospect Amitral ‘AJ’ Simon.
The University at Albany announced the defensive lineman’s death on April 17, just days before the draft, at age 25. The cause of death has not been revealed.
Simon previously played at Bloomsburg University before moving to Albany to play at a higher level of soccer.
On Thursday, the Bloomsburg football program said it was “saddened to learn” of the death of its former player.
“AJ was not only a tremendous player, but an even better teammate and person,” Bloomsburg posted in a statement on social media. “He was a role model during his time here in Bloomsburg and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
Tributes have poured in for former University at Albany star AJ Simon
Simon tragically died at the age of 25 on Wednesday. The cause of his death is unknown.
Former coaches and players have opened up about Simon following his death.
In addition to his previous show, several of his former teammates honored Simon in social media posts.
That includes projected first-round pick Jared Verse, who was Simon’s teammate at Albany before transferring to Florida State. “Gone too soon,” Verse posted on social media and at the same time posted on her Instagram story the words: “We were talking a few days ago…”
Jue Hicks, another former Albany teammate, wrote “I love you brother” on his Instagram story. He followed up with a separate post with the words: “See you again bro.” This is over for us.’
‘Was only [on the phone] with you literally on Monday!’ wrote his former teammate Trent Pennix. ‘Rest easy, big guy!’
Anton Juncaj, who described Simón as his “best friend”, also posted an emotional tribute on his Instagram story. “All you did was make sure I was straight and you were always there for me when I needed something,” he wrote. ‘I’m going to continue with what we were talking about. I love you big brother.’
Simon recorded 12.5 sacks and 55 tackles in his final year of college, and former coach Greg Gattuso said he “could see AJ Simon sneaking in a round late.”
Gattuso posted his own emotional tribute, saying the lineman “will always have a special place in my heart.”