UPDATE: Alabama A&M Linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. Is still on Life Support, a statement announcement from the University that said he had passed has now been retracted.
Earlier in the day, Athletic Director Dr. Paul Bryant released a statement that the “Bulldog family is heartbroken by the loss of Medrick Burnett Jr.”
The university later pulled down its press release from its website and its posts on social media.
UAB has confirmed he is alive.
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(WDNews) – Alabama A&M University is mourning the loss of linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr., who passed away Tuesday evening from injuries sustained during the Magic City Classic game against Alabama State University on October 26. He was 20 years old.
Burnett, a redshirt freshman from Lakewood, California, transferred to Alabama A&M in 2024 after playing one season at Grambling State University. In his seven games with the Bulldogs, he recorded a season-best three tackles against Austin Peay State University.
During the game, Burnett suffered a head injury that led to several brain bleeds and swelling. He underwent a craniotomy in an effort to save his life but remained hospitalized until his passing.
Alabama A&M’s Director of Athletics, Dr. Paul Bryant, expressed deep sorrow, stating, “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.”
The university community continues to honor Burnett’s memory, reflecting on his contributions both on and off the field.
