An Alabama A&M University football player has tragically passed away following a head injury sustained during a game last month. Medrick Burnett Jr., a 20-year-old linebacker, was in his first season with the team when he was injured during the Magic City Classic against Alabama State University on October 26. His official time of death was reported as Wednesday evening, according to the Jefferson County coroner’s office.
The athletic department at Alabama A&M confirmed Burnett’s passing on Wednesday morning but later issued a retraction stating that the initial announcement came from a family member. Burnett, a redshirt freshman originally from Lakewood, California, joined Alabama A&M over the summer after starting his collegiate career at Grambling State University.
This deeply saddening news reminds us of the physical risks student-athletes face and highlights the importance of safety protocols in sports. Though this is a tragic event, it also serves as a reminder for schools and communities to advocate for better safety measures in athletics, particularly regarding head injuries and concussion awareness.
In the wake of this tragedy, we hope for healing and support for Burnett’s family, teammates, and the entire Alabama A&M community. This event has brought attention to player safety, potentially leading to changes that could save lives in the future.