Birmingham, Alabama – An Alabama A&M University football player passed away on Wednesday evening after sustaining a head injury during a game in October, as confirmed by a Jefferson County deputy coroner. Medrick Burnett Jr., a 20-year-old redshirt freshman linebacker, suffered the injury during a match against in-state rival Alabama State at the Magic City Classic. Burnett’s tragic death followed weeks of uncertainty as school officials initially announced his passing only to retract the statement hours later upon learning he was still alive.
Following the mix-up in reporting, Alabama A&M issued a statement expressing regret for spreading misinformation and apologizing for any distress caused. Burnett, originally from Lakewood, California, had transferred to Alabama A&M from Grambling State to pursue his passion for football. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound athlete made an impact on the field, participating in seven games and recording five tackles during the season.
The University refrained from providing further details on Burnett’s passing, noting that an official news release would be issued shortly. Additionally, a representative from the Alabama A&M athletic department did not respond to requests for comment on the tragic incident. The community, both on and off-campus, mourns the loss of a promising young talent who brought dedication and skill to the football program. Although the circumstances surrounding Burnett’s injury and subsequent death remain unclear, his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.