Tributes pour in after NFL hopeful AJ Simon tragically dies aged 25… as fellow draft prospect Jared Verse reveals he spoke to late former teammate shortly before passing: ‘Rest easy big man!’
- A cause of death has still not been revealed after Simon died on Wednesday
- Former coaches and players have spoken out about Simon in the aftermath
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More tributes honoring late NFL Draft prospect Amitral “AJ” Simon poured out on social media Thursday.
The University at Albany announced the defensive lineman’s death on April 17, just a few days before the draft, at the age of 25. No cause of death has been revealed.
Simon previously played at Bloomsburg University before moving to Albany to play at a higher level of football.
On Thursday, the Bloomsburg football program said it was “saddened to hear” about the death of their former player.
“AJ was not only a great player, but an even better teammate and person,” Bloomsburg wrote in a statement on social media. “He was a role model during his time here at Bloomsburg and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
Tributes are pouring in for former University at Albany star AJ Simon
Simon tragically passed away on Wednesday at the age of 25. His cause of death is unknown.
Former coaches and players have opened up about Simon in the wake of his death
In addition to his former program, a number of his former teammates honored Simon in social media posts.
That includes projected first-round draft pick Jared Verse, who was a teammate of Simon at Albany before transferring to Florida State. “Gone too soon,” Verse posted on social media, while also posting to his Instagram Story, saying, “We were just talking about this a few days ago.”
Jue Hicks, another former Albany teammate, wrote “Love you bro” on his Instagram Story. He followed that up with a separate message saying, “Goodbye bro. Ready for us’.
‘Was just [on the phone] with you literally on monday!,” wrote former teammate Trent Pennix. ‘Rest in peace big man!’
Anton Juncaj, who described Simon as his “best friend,” also posted an emotional tribute on his Instagram Story. “All you ever did was make sure I was straight and you were always there for me when I needed anything,” he wrote. “I’ll continue what we just talked about. I love you, big brother.”
Simon recorded 12.5 sacks and 55 tackles in his senior year, with former coach Greg Gattuso saying he could “see AJ Simon sneaking into a round late.”
Gattuso posted his own emotional tribute, saying the lineman would “always have a special place in my heart.”