Amitral AJ Simon, an NFL Draft prospect and pass-rusher died at the age of 25.

Simon’s University of Albany confirmed his death on Wednesday. The school sent out a social media message stating that Simon would be “Forever a Great Dane “.

In a team statement, it was stated that the UAlbany Football Program “was deeply shocked” to hear of Amitral AJ’s death this morning.

“AJ is a great young man and a fantastic teammate. AJ has been a pillar in this program over the last two years.”

He will be deeply missed.

Cause of death not revealed.

Simon was selected to be the All-CAA first-team defensive end. Last year, he helped Albany reach the semifinals of the FCS playoffs.

Greg Gattuso, who is the head coach of Great Danes wrote a piece on X about Simon.

He wrote: “Two joyous years of coaching and friendship with AJ Simon. My prayers go out to the Simon family. I love #8 and you AJ.”

The New England Patriots visited Simon last week to assess his chances of being drafted. According to experts, he was likely to be drafted later in the draft or as a free agent.

Simon began his college education at Bloomsburg University. In 2022, he moved to Albany, New York where he recorded 29 stops, 4 1/2 sacks, and one interception.

Simon had 50 tackles last season, including 12 sacks and two passes defended.