AJ Simon was hoping for a contract in the upcoming NFL Draft. Now the defensive lineman has died at the age of just 25

Football player AJ Simon, who was hoping for a contract in the upcoming NFL Draft, has died at the age of 25. The defensive lineman’s college, the University at Albany, confirmed the news on Wednesday.

“The UAlbany football program was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral ‘AJ’ Simon this morning,” the university announced, describing Simon as a “great young man” and an “even better teammate.” There is no word on the reasons for Simon’s death.

Simon recorded 12.5 sacks last season for the Albany Great Danes and was considered a possible late-round draft candidate. He played a total of two years for Albany.

“My prayers go out to the Simon family. I love you AJ and will always have a special place in my heart for 8,” Albany coach Greg Gattuso wrote on “X. “