AJ Simon, a rising star and former defensive lineman for the University at Albany, passed away suddenly, leaving the football community in sadness. Simon sadly lost his bright future and his chance to be selected in the NFL draft.
Former Albany defensive end AJ Simon has tragically passed away at just 25 years old.
Simon was a 2024 NFL Draft prospect with hopes of being drafted. Heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/QvhqWcH3Kj
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) April 17, 2024
AJ Simon’s Remarkable Journey
AJ Simon’s journey was one of determination and excellence. As a standout defensive lineman, he made a significant impact during his time at Albany. His stats spoke volumes: 55 tackles (37 solo), 12.5 sacks, and 21.5 tackles for loss. Simon’s disruptive play helped propel Albany to the FCS playoff semifinals, leaving a lasting impression on fans and scouts alike.
This past season, Simon led Albany to the FCS playoff semifinals and was named to the first team of the CAA after registering 55 tackles (of which 37 were solo), 12.5 sacks, and 21.5 tackles for loss. Simon transferred from Division ll Bloomsburg and finished the 2022 season with five sacks and 10.5 tackles.
Simon’s path wasn’t conventional. After transferring from Division II Bloomsburg, he continued to shine at Albany. His versatility and technique caught the attention of NFL scouts. Simon was poised to be a potential draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, ranking second on CBS Sports’ list of top 25 small college draft prospects.
News of Simon’s passing hit the football community hard. At just 25 years old, he had so much ahead of him. The cause of death has not been disclosed, leaving fans and teammates in shock. Albany’s football program paid tribute to Simon, emphasizing his impact both on and off the field.
As the NFL Draft approaches, the question arises: Will the league honor AJ Simon? The NBA set a precedent when they bestowed a ceremonial pick in memory of Terrance Clarke, a young basketball talent who tragically died in a car accident.
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