Alabama A&M University linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. has died from a severe head injury incurred during a football matchup against Alabama State.
On October 26, 2024, Medrick Burnett Jr., a promising redshirt freshman linebacker for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs, sustained a catastrophic head injury in a game that pitted his team against Alabama State.
The Daily Caller reported that this tragic incident occurred on the football field, an environment where Burnett had shown bright potential throughout the season.
Burnett, originally hailing from Lakewood, California, transferred to Alabama A&M following Cedric Thornton, the team's new defensive coordinator. Before his transfer, Burnett had been a part of Grambling State's roster, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to the sport he loved.
The severity of Burnett’s injury led to immediate hospitalization, where he was diagnosed with multiple brain bleeds and significant brain swelling.
His medical team placed him in the intensive care unit, a testament to the gravity of his condition.
In response to mounting medical expenses and the family's need for support, Burnett's sister, Dominece James, initiated a GoFundMe campaign. This effort underscored the community's rallying support for Burnett during his critical health battle.
Despite the extensive medical care and support from family, friends, and the football community, Burnett succumbed to his injuries one month after the incident. The news of his passing was first reported by WAFF 48 and later confirmed by the university on the following Wednesday.
Alabama A&M formally announced Medrick Burnett Jr.'s death through a heartfelt statement that echoed the profound sadness enveloping the campus. “Today, our Bulldog family is heartbroken by the loss of Medrick Burnett Jr.,” remarked Dr. Paul A. Bryant, the athletics director at Alabama A&M.
Dr. Bryant continued to describe Burnett's influential presence, noting his exceptional qualities both on and off the field.
“Medrick was more than an exceptional athlete; he was a remarkable young man whose positive energy, leadership, and compassion left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him,” he said.
The university’s official statement emphasized the collective mourning process: “We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Medrick’s parents, siblings, and loved ones. We also offer our heartfelt support to his teammates, coaches, and the entire Alabama A&M community who are mourning this loss.”
The loss of Burnett is felt deeply across Alabama A&M University, where he was not only a player on the football team but a cherished member of the community.
The statement concluded, “In this moment of sorrow, we come together to honor Medrick’s legacy and celebrate the light he brought to our lives. May we all draw strength from one another as we navigate this difficult time.”
Having competed in seven games during the 2024 season, Burnett had recorded five total tackles, signifying his growing role and impact on the team.
At just 20 years old, his life and career were tragically cut short, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and passion for his sport.
The incident has sparked conversations within the collegiate sports community about player safety and the inherent risks of football, focusing attention on how such tragedies might be prevented in the future.
The memory of Medrick Burnett Jr. will live on, not just in the record books but in the lives of those he touched.
His family, friends, and teammates will continue to be supported by the Alabama A&M community as they cope with this profound loss.