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8 months ago
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More tributes honoring late NFL Draft prospect Amitral 'AJ' Simon have poured out on social media on Thursday.
The University at Albany announced the defensive lineman's death on April 17, just a few days before the draft, at age 25. No cause of death has been revealed.
Simon previously played at Bloomsburg University before transferring to Albany to play at a higher level of football.
On Thursday, Bloomsburg's football program said it was 'saddened to hear' about the death of their former player.
'AJ was not only a tremendous player, but an even better teammate and person,' Bloomsburg posted in a statement on social media. 'He was a role model during his time here at Bloomsburg and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.'
Tributes have been pouring in for former University at Albany star AJ Simon
Simon has tragically died at the age of just 25 on Wednesday. His cause of death is unknown.
Former coaches and players have opened up about Simon in the aftermath of his passing
In addition to his former program, a number of his ex-teammates honored Simon in posts on social media.
That includes projected first-round draft pick Jared Verse, who was a teammate of Simon's at Albany before he transferred to Florida State. 'Gone too soon,' Verse posted on social media while also posting to his Instagram story with the words, 'We was just talking 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 post with the words, 'See you again bro. Gone finished dis fa us'.
'Was just [on the phone] with you literally on Monday!,' wrote former teammate Trent Pennix. 'Rest easy 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 u was always there for me when I needed anything,' he wrote. 'I'm going to continue what we was just talking about. I love you Big Bro.'
Simon recorded 12.5 sacks and 55 tackles in his last year of college, 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'.
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