HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A tragic loss befell the Alabama A&M football community as linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. passed away on Tuesday evening. The 20-year-old redshirt freshman from Lakewood, California, succumbed to a head injury sustained during a game against Alabama State on October 26. Burnett, who had recently transferred to Alabama A&M from Grambling State, had played in seven games during the season, showcasing his talent with five tackles, three of which were against Austin Peay.
Alabama A&M athletic director Paul A. Bryant expressed the profound sadness felt by the Bulldog family over the loss of Medrick Burnett Jr. In a statement released on Wednesday, Bryant highlighted Burnett’s exceptional qualities as both an athlete and a person. Described as a young man with a positive energy, strong leadership skills, and compassion that touched everyone he encountered, Burnett left an enduring impact on those around him.
The sudden passing of a promising young talent like Burnett serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks involved in the physically demanding sport of football. The tragedy has brought the issue of player safety to the forefront, prompting discussions on the importance of implementing and enforcing rigorous safety protocols to protect athletes at all levels of the game.
As Alabama A&M mourns the loss of one of its own, the university community stands united in grief, offering support and condolences to Burnett’s family during this difficult time. The memory of Medrick Burnett Jr. will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, a shining example of the impact a dedicated athlete can have beyond the field.