In Memory of Medrick Burnett Jr.: A Young Life Lost in the Game
Tragedy struck the Alabama A&M football community as Medrick Burnett Jr., a promising young linebacker, passed away at the age of 20 on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. His death came weeks after suffering a severe head injury during a game against Alabama State on October 26.
The Jefferson County Deputy Coroner, AJ Clifton, confirmed Burnett’s passing at UAB Hospital at 5:43 p.m. on Wednesday. This sad news came after a period of confusion earlier in the week when the university prematurely announced his death, only to retract the statement hours later.
The Injury and Its Aftermath
Burnett, a redshirt freshman, sustained the life-altering injury during the Magic City Classic, a rivalry game against Alabama State. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker collided head-on with another player, resulting in several brain bleeds and swelling.
His family shared on a GoFundMe page that doctors had to perform a craniotomy as a last resort to save Burnett’s life. The young athlete fought bravely for over a month, with his oldest sister, Dominece James, posting updates about his tough battle.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Before joining Alabama A&M, Burnett had played for Grambling State in Louisiana. The Lakewood, California native had shown promise in his short time with the Bulldogs, recording five tackles across seven games during their 6-6 season.
Alabama A&M Head Football Coach Connell Maynor paid tribute to Burnett by wearing his No. 51 jersey the week following his injury. Maynor poignantly remarked, “At the end of the day we play a game, but his life is on the line and that’s on our hearts”.
Community Support and Remembrance
During this challenging time, the football community and beyond have rallied around the Burnett family. As of Friday night, a GoFundMe campaign set up to support the family had raised over $51,000 of its $100,000 goal.
Burnett’s passing is a stark reminder of the risks associated with contact sports, particularly football. His tragic story has touched many, highlighting the need for continued focus on player safety and improved protocols for handling head injuries in sports.
A Life Remembered
Medrick Burnett Jr. will be remembered for his athletic prowess and his fighting spirit in the face of adversity. His untimely death has left a void in the hearts of his teammates, coaches, family, and the entire Alabama A&M community.
Burnett’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire conversations about athlete safety and the importance of immediate and thorough medical care in sports-related injuries as the football world mourns the loss of young talent.
The Alabama A&M Bulldogs and the wider college football community will honor Burnett’s memory in the coming days and throughout future seasons. His passion for the game and his resilience in his final weeks will continue to inspire those who knew him and those who learned of his story.
Our thoughts go out to the Burnett family, his teammates, and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss. May Medrick Burnett Jr.’s memory be a blessing and a catalyst for positive change in the world of sports.