Alabama College football player dies after sustaining head injury in game

Medrick Burnett Jr., a College football player at Alabama A&M University died this week after suffering a head injury in a recent game.

Who is Medrick Burnett Jr?

Burnett, a 20-year-old linebacker for Alabama A&M University, suffered a head injury during the Magic City Classic against Alabama State University on Oct. 26, the school announced. Burnett was hospitalized after the game and died Tuesday evening. The university has not released an official cause of death.

A native of Lakewood, California, Medrick Burnett Jr. transferred to Alabama A&M in 2024 after spending one season with the Grambling State University football program. He played in seven games during the 2024 season, including a standout performance against Austin Peay State University where he recorded a season-high three tackles.

Announcement from Alabama A&M University

“Alabama A&M University mourns the loss of football student-athlete Medrick Burnett Jr.,” the school said in a statement Wednesday.

Paul A. Bryant, Alabama A&M athletics director, expressed his condolences for Burnett’s family, saying, “Medrick was more than an exceptional athlete; “He was a remarkable young man whose positive energy, leadership and compassion left an indelible impression on everyone who knew it.” Although words cannot adequately express our grief, we are humbled by the strength of his family that supported him during this unimaginable event torture stood aside.

Bryant added in the statement: “We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Medrick’s parents, siblings and loved ones. We also offer our heartfelt support to his teammates, coaches and the entire Alabama A&M community as they mourn this loss.” In this moment of grief, we come together to honor Medrick’s legacy and celebrate the light he was brought into our lives. May we all draw strength from one another as we navigate this difficult time.

Burnett’s family created a GoFundMe page before his death, saying at the time that he was in the intensive care unit and not doing well.

“He had multiple brain bleeds and brain swelling. He needed a drainage tube to relieve the pressure and after two days of severe pressure, we had to opt for a craniotomy as a last resort.” “Save his life,” the GoFundMe page reads .

Reactions to Burnett’s death

In a post on

Jackson State Athletics also paid tribute to Burnett, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Medrick Burnett Jr.’s family and the entire @AAMUBulldogs community.”

This article contains reporting from The Associated Press.