UAlbany football player AJ Simon dies at 25

UAlbany football player AJ Simon has died. He was just 25 years old.

UAlbany head football coach Greg Gattuso got the call Wednesday morning from Simon’s mom, he told NewsChannel 13’s Rodger Wyland.

Her son passed away in his sleep on Wednesday, she said. No cause of death has been released.

Simon was a senior defensive end who recorded 12 ½ sacks on last year’s CAA championship team.

He was scheduled to visit with the New England Patriots ahead of next week’s NFL draft.

Gattuso said he will always have a special place in his heart for No. 8, and his prayers are with Simon’s family.