AJ Simon Dies; 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Played DL for University at Albany

AJ Simon, a former defensive end for the University at Albany who was in the 2024 NFL draft class, has died, the school announced Wednesday.

He was 25 years old.

Albany head coach Greg Gattuso posted a statement about Simon on X:

The Athletic's Dane Brugler ranked Simon as the 36th-best edge-rusher in the 2024 draft class. He also cited coaches who raved about him on and off the field.

Simon appeared in 24 games over the past two seasons for the Great Danes. He recorded 32 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks during his college career.

After racking up 21.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in 2023, Simon was named to the All-CAA first-team defense.

The Great Danes won the CAA conference title for the first time last season. It was their first conference championship since 2012 when they won the Northeast Conference in FCS. They advanced to the FCS semifinal before losing to top-ranked South Dakota State.

An official cause of death has not yet been announced.

Simon originally began his college career at Bloomsburg University in 2018 before transferring to Albany prior to the 2022 season.