A football player from Alabama A&M University 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 suffered the injury while playing in the annual Magic City Classic against Alabama State University on October 26.
The Jefferson County coroner confirmed Burnett’s official time of death as Wednesday evening. The athletic department at Alabama A&M announced his death on Wednesday morning but later issued a retraction, explaining that news of his passing had initially come from an immediate family member the previous evening.
Burnett, who hailed from Lakewood, California, joined Alabama A&M earlier this summer after beginning his college football journey at Grambling State. The loss of such a young and promising athlete is deeply felt within the community and has prompted many to reflect on the importance of safety measures in college football.
This incident serves as a painful reminder of the risks associated with contact sports and emphasizes the need for ongoing discussions around player safety and health protocols. Efforts to improve protective measures in football may gain traction as a result of this tragedy, hopefully leading to a safer environment for athletes in the future.
In summary, Medrick Burnett Jr.’s untimely passing highlights both the fragility of life and the vital importance of safety in sports, igniting conversations around how to protect young athletes moving forward.