Huntsville, Alabama – Medrick Burnett Jr., a linebacker for Alabama A&M University, passed away on Wednesday, January 8th, after sustaining a head injury during a football game on Saturday, November 19th. He was 19 years old.
Burnett Jr. suffered the injury during a collision with an opposing player in a game against the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama. He was immediately taken to the hospital, where he underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. He remained in the intensive care unit in critical condition until his passing.
A promising young athlete, Burnett Jr. was a highly respected member of the Alabama A&M football team. He had played in 17 games over the past two seasons and was known for his hard work and dedication to the sport.
The Alabama A&M University community is deeply saddened by Burnett Jr.’s passing. President Andrew Hugine expressed his condolences to the student’s family and friends, saying, “Medrick was a shining star, both on and off the field. His loss is felt by our entire Bulldog family.”
The Huntsville community has also rallied around the Burnett family. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created to help with medical and funeral expenses, raising over $70,000 to date.
Burnett Jr.’s death has highlighted the importance of head injury prevention and treatment in sports. Concussions and other head injuries can have serious and long-lasting consequences, especially if not properly diagnosed and managed.
The NCAA and other sports organizations have implemented new rules and protocols to reduce head injury risk and improve player safety. However, more research and awareness are still needed to prevent tragedies like this from happening.
Medrick Burnett Jr. will be remembered as a talented athlete, a beloved teammate, and a young man with a bright future ahead of him. His legacy will serve as a reminder of the importance of head injury prevention and the need to support student-athletes both on and off the field.
