BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — An Alabama A&M football player, Medrick Burnett Jr., tragically passed away following a head injury he sustained during a game in October. Burnett, 20, was in his first season as a linebacker with Alabama A&M University at the time of the incident, which occurred during the annual Magic City Classic against Alabama State University on October 26. The Jefferson County coroner confirmed his official time of death as Wednesday evening.
The Alabama A&M athletic department first announced Burnett’s passing on Wednesday morning, but later issued a retraction. The second statement clarified that the initial report came from a family member on Tuesday evening.
A redshirt freshman from Lakewood, California, Burnett joined Alabama A&M’s football team over the summer after transferring from Grambling State University, marking the beginning of his college football journey.
At this difficult time, the Alabama A&M community and Burnett’s family are in mourning, highlighting the impact of his brief but promising career in college football. The outpouring of support from teammates and fans reflects the deep sense of loss felt by many.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with contact sports and the importance of player safety. In the wake of this tragedy, there may be renewed discussions about safety protocols and measures to protect athletes from severe injuries, ultimately leading to improved standards for player care in the future.
We hope that Burnett’s legacy will inspire advances in safety and a focus on ensuring the well-being of all athletes.