'What a shame': Internet stunned as NFL Draft hopeful AJ Simon suddenly dies at 25

ALBANY, NEW YORK: Promising defensive lineman Amitral "AJ" Simon died at age 25. 

The former Albany star hoped to get selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, slated to take place next week in Detroit. The school's football team announced the news of his death on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, April 17.

Simon's cause of death wasn't revealed.  

UAlbany football team pays tribute to AJ Simon

"The UAlbany football program was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral 'AJ' Simon this morning," wrote the UAlbany football team. 

"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," further read the post. 

Simon recorded 12.5 sacks last season for Albany and was ranked as the 448th prospect in the latest NFL Draft rankings by ESPN.

The future star played the past two seasons for Albany after beginning his collegiate career at Bloomsburg University. He was also named a part of the 2023 Fall CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.

Albany coach Greg Gattuso also remembered Simon, writing, "My prayers are dedicated to the Simon family. I love you AJ and will always have a special place in my heart for #8." 

The team's Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, Jared Ambrose, shared, "Words can’t express who he was, what he meant to so many and how big his smile was. He brought light to everyone who came across him. Gone too soon but he’s part of us forever," on X (formerly Twitter). 

Internet reacts to the sudden death of Amitral 'AJ' Simon

A netizen expressed, "Another young athlete dying. Very sad. I wonder what’s really going on," and another shared, "What a shame and my heart breaks for his family."

"Very sad such a talented and driven young man has been loss. Prayers to his family and community," noted a person, while someone else wrote, "I am 58 years old. This seems to be happening at an alarming rate, no matter how you look at it."

An individual said, "25, looks to be in excellent health.. Curious to hear what the autopsy shows as COD." "There goes another one. Doctors baffled," remarked another person. 

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