Medrick Burnett Jr., a 20-year-old linebacker for Alabama A&M University, has tragically passed away following a head injury sustained during a game against Alabama State on October 26. The Jefferson County coroner’s office confirmed his death at 5:43 p.m. local time on Wednesday. Burnett had been hospitalized at UAB Hospital since the incident, though the specific cause of death has not been disclosed.
Originally from Lakewood, California, Burnett began his football career at Grambling State University before transferring to Alabama A&M. During his time on the field, he participated in seven games, making a notable contribution with five tackles, including three in a match against Austin Peay.
Prior to the confirmation of his passing, Alabama A&M had mistakenly announced his death on Tuesday, only to retract it later that day after clarifying with a hospital representative that he was still alive, expressing relief that he remained in stable condition.
In a show of support, a GoFundMe campaign for Burnett has garnered over $48,000, reflecting the impact he had on his community and the love from those around him.
This situation highlights not only the dedication and talent of an aspiring athlete but also the community’s solidarity in supporting him during a challenging time. As the athletic community mourns this loss, it also reinforces the importance of support systems for athletes, particularly in high-risk sports like football.