Tragically, Medrick Burnett Jr., a first-year linebacker for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 20. This heartbreaking news comes just a month after Burnett sustained a severe head injury during a game against Alabama State University on October 26th.
A general view of an end zone corner pylon prior to a college football game. (Jasen Vinlove-USA Today Sports)
The redshirt freshman from Lakewood, California, suffered the injury during the Magic City Classic rivalry game. His sister, Dominece James, described the incident in a fundraising campaign as a "head-on-head collision" that resulted in multiple brain bleeds and swelling. She detailed the medical interventions, including a tube to drain fluid and ultimately a craniotomy.
A football on a high school football field. (Getty Images)
Earlier this week, Alabama A&M University mistakenly released a statement announcing Burnett's death, which they later retracted, citing incorrect information received from the family. They subsequently issued a correction, expressing regret for the error and relief that he was still alive at that time.
Burnett's sister's last update, posted Wednesday, requested prayers and spoke of his struggles while the family held onto hope. Sadly, the Jefferson County Coroner’s office confirmed his passing later that day.
Burnett transferred to Alabama A&M over the summer after beginning his college career at Grambling State. He participated in seven games this season, recording five tackles, including three against Austin Peay.
