ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany football team will once again honor former Great Dane Amitral "AJ" Simon during the 2025 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.
  
Before each contest in 2024, the UAlbany coaching staff designated one player to wear the number eight jersey, in game, to honor their fallen brother. The team, now under Interim Head Coach Jared Ambrose, will continue that tradition into 2025.
 
"Losing AJ was devastating for this team, this staff and administration, and the UAlbany community as a whole," said Ambrose. "He was more than a player; he was a leader, a friend, and a brother to every teammate he came in contact with."
 
The individual chosen to wear number eight will be one who best exemplifies Simon's work ethic and preparation in that week's practices. The football program will announce their selection 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.
 
Ambrose added "Our program really bought into this number dedication last season. Guys worked their tails off in practice for a chance to represent AJ each week. It's an incredible honor to be bestowed upon them, and we are proud to say that this tradition will continue."

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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