AJ Simon preparing to go to the 2024 NFL Draft before his death

Former college football player and 2024 NFL Draft hopeful AJ Simon died at the age of 25.

The former Albany defensive lineman was preparing to go to the NFL Draft before his sudden death, report abcnews.com and si.com.

However, the family did not disclose Simon’s cause of death immediately.

Albany said in a statement posted on social media that the UAlbany football event was extremely saddened to learn of the sudden demise of ‘AJ’ Simon.

AJ was a better teammate throughout his time at UAlbany and a tremendous young man. He will be deeply missed as he was a role model both on and off the field.

After recording 55 tackles and 12.5 sacks last season, AJ Simon earned first-team All-CAA honours.

The former Albany defensive lineman is ranked 448th in next week’s NFL draft by ESPN.

Albany coach Greg Gattuso said in a statement on social media that two joyous years coaching and becoming friends with AJ Simon.  

Simon, who played two seasons at Albany, was a student-athlete at Bloomsburg University before attending Albany.

AJ Simon was from Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania.

After recording 55 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and 21.5 tackles for loss, Simon helped Albany reach the FCS playoff semifinals this past season and earned first-team All-CAA honors.

After transferring from Division ll Bloomsburg, Simon posted five sacks and 10.5 tackles during the 2022 campaign.