ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany football team will honor former Great Dane Amitral "AJ" Simon during the 2024 season with a special number dedication in each game.
 
In April of 2024, while preparing for the NFL Draft, Simon was tragically taken from us – sending shockwaves through both the UAlbany and football communities.
 
"Losing AJ was one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through, both as a coach and as an individual," said head football coach Greg Gattuso. "Football aside, he was just a genuinely great person on and off the field. His upbeat personality was infectious, he had a great way of making those around him better in all aspects of life.
 
"We all love and miss AJ."
 
Before each contest in 2024, the UAlbany coaching staff will designate one defensive player to wear the number eight jersey, in game, to honor their fallen brother. The individual chosen will be one who best exemplifies Simon's work ethic and preparation in that week's practices. The football program will announce their selection on Thursdays leading up to games.
 
Simon was specifically known for his habits in practice, constantly pushing himself and others around him to rise to new levels.
 
"We want our kids to 'Play Like AJ' every day in practice," added Gattuso. "AJ was the gold standard in preparation, and it clearly translated to his level of production on the field. This will be an enormous honor that our defensive unit will strive for on a weekly basis. There's no better way to honor AJ."
 
Simon spent two seasons with the purple and gold on the defensive line after transferring from Bloomsburg University. In two seasons, he racked up a total of 17.5 sacks, good for fourth all-time in the UAlbany record book. His 12.5 sacks in 2023 put him third all-time in UAlbany's single season rankings.
 
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