Former University at Albany defensive lineman Amitral “AJ” Simon died on April 17, 2024, at age 25—about a week before the NFL Draft. UAlbany announced his death that morning. The contemporaneous reports cited here said a cause had not been established or disclosed; they do not provide a confirmed cause.
Who was AJ Simon?
Simon was a defensive lineman who began his college football career at Bloomsburg before transferring to the University at Albany. He played two seasons for the Great Danes, recording 17.5 sacks across those seasons, according to UAlbany Athletics.
What did Simon accomplish at UAlbany?
A productive final season
Simon recorded 12.5 sacks in the 2023 season and earned first-team All-CAA defensive recognition, UAlbany reported. The Times Union reported that he also had 55 tackles in 15 games that season. UAlbany’s 2023 team finished 11–4, according to the newspaper.
Was AJ Simon expected to be drafted?
Simon was pursuing an NFL opportunity and attended UAlbany’s Pro Day at Afrim’s Sports Park in Colonie, New York, in March 2024. The Times Union reported that he worked out at linebacker there and had also tried fullback drills at the University at Buffalo’s Pro Day earlier that month.
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Head coach Greg Gattuso told the Times Union he “could see AJ Simon sneaking into a round late.” That was Gattuso’s assessment, not an official projection or a confirmed draft outcome. Simon said scouts had offered positive feedback and that he felt his chances were high, while acknowledging that the outcome was uncertain. The sources cited here establish his preparation and hopes, not that he was selected in the draft.
What is known about Simon’s death?
UAlbany announced on April 17, 2024, that Simon had died that morning. He was 25. ESPN, citing ABC News services, and the Times Union said at the time that the cause was unknown or had not been established. UAlbany’s later memorial announcements do not add a confirmed cause. No cause should be inferred from the available reporting.
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How did UAlbany honor AJ Simon?
The No. 8 dedication
For the 2024 season, UAlbany dedicated jersey No. 8 to a defensive player for each game. The player chosen was meant to represent the preparation and work ethic Simon brought to the program. In its August 2024 announcement, UAlbany said Simon had been a role model and a pillar of the team during his two years there. Gattuso remembered him as “a genuinely great person on and off the field,” adding that his upbeat personality helped make those around him better.
The tradition continued in 2025
UAlbany announced on August 26, 2025, that the game-by-game No. 8 dedication would continue that season. The school described it as an ongoing way to recognize Simon’s example. UAlbany’s 2025 announcement also reiterated his 17.5 sacks across two seasons and 12.5 sacks in 2023.
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