Alabama A&M’s Medrick Burnett Jr. dies after head injury

Alabama A&M linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. died Tuesday night due to a head injury sustained exactly one month earlier in a game against Alabama State. He was 20.

Alabama A&M announced Burnett’s death on Wednesday.

“Today, our Bulldog family is heartbroken by the loss of Medrick Burnett Jr.,” Alabama A&M athletic director Dr. Paul A. Bryant said in a statement. “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. While words cannot adequately express our grief, we are humbled by the strength of his family, who stood by his side throughout this unimaginable ordeal.

“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. In this moment of sorrow, we come together to honor Medrick’s legacy and celebrate the light he brought to our lives.”

According to a GoFundMe page from his sister, Dominece James, Burnett was injured in a head-to-head collision in the 27-19 loss against Alabama State in the Magic City Classic at Birmingham. She displayed a hospital picture showing her brother heavily inundated with tubes and other equipment. James said her brother had severe brain swelling and bleeding.

WAFF-TV in Huntsville, Ala., displayed a video of the play in which he was hurt, though it is unclear exactly how he was injured so severely.

The footage also showed Burnett being taken off the field on a stretcher. Burnett gave a thumbs-up to the crowd while being wheeled off.

According to the station, Burnett’s condition worsened in the days following the game.

Burnett, a redshirt freshman from Lakewood, Calif., had five tackles in seven games this season. He was a transfer from Grambling State.

Alabama A&M (6-5) is scheduled to play at Florida A&M on Friday.

–Field Level Media

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