Alabama A&M announced Wednesday that redshirt freshman linebacker Medrick Barnett Jr. has passed away.
“Today, our Bulldog family is saddened by the loss of Medrick Burnett Jr.,” said Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant. “Medrick was not only an extraordinary athlete, he was an outstanding young man whose positive energy, leadership and compassion left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Words cannot adequately express our sadness, and we are humbled by the strength of his family who stood by him throughout this unimaginable ordeal.” (Related: University of North Carolina fires head coach Mack Brown after mediocre season)
Waff 48 first reported Barnett's death Tuesday, one month after suffering a serious head injury during a Bulldogs game. 27-19 Lost against Alabama State on October 26th. Burnett's sister, Domines James, gofundme Days after the injury, Page said he was admitted to the ICU and experienced “several brain bleeds and brain swelling.”
Tragic news: Alabama A&M linebacker Medrick Barnett Jr. died several weeks after suffering a severe head injury during a game.
Medrick was only 20 years old.
My heart hurts. Please take a good rest🕊️🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/uqBtuotBSg
—MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 27, 2024
In the 2024 campaign, barnet At Alabama A&M, he appeared in seven games and recorded five total tackles.
Barnett, a native of Lakewood, Calif., is in his first full season with the Bulldogs after transferring from Grambling State University, following defensive coordinator Cedric Thornton, who joined his alma mater's coaching staff in the offseason.
“We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Medrick's parents, siblings, and loved ones,” the school said in an official statement Wednesday. “We also extend our heartfelt support to his teammates, coaches, and the entire Alabama A&M community as they grieve this loss. In this moment of sadness, we honor Medrick's legacy and honor his We come together to celebrate the light that has brought into our lives. May we all draw strength from each other through this difficult time.”
