3 Tragic Deaths: What Happened To The Alabama Football Players Who Died Recently?
The Alabama football community is reeling from a series of devastating and untimely losses, with multiple players across the state's college programs passing away in recent weeks. The string of tragedies, including the death of a promising linebacker following an in-game head injury, has brought intense scrutiny to player safety and the inherent risks of the sport. As of today, December 19, 2025, we look at the fresh details and the heartbreaking stories of the young men whose lives were cut short.
The recent deaths of three distinct football players with ties to Alabama schools—one from an on-field injury, and two from tragic off-field accidents—serve as a somber reminder of the fragility of life, even for elite college athletes. These incidents have sparked a renewed conversation about everything from rigorous NCAA concussion protocol to the dangers of collegiate travel and road safety.
The Heartbreaking Loss of Medrick Burnett Jr. (Alabama A&M)
The death of Alabama A&M linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. is arguably the most shocking and high-profile of the recent tragedies, as it directly relates to an on-field catastrophic injury. His passing has sent a chilling wave through the entire college football landscape, prompting questions about immediate medical response and long-term player safety measures.
Medrick Burnett Jr. Biography and Career Profile
- Full Name: Medrick Burnett Jr.
- Age: 20
- Hometown: Lakewood, California
- Position: Linebacker (LB)
- Jersey Number: #51
- Height/Weight: 6'2", 225 lbs
- College: Alabama A&M University (AAMU)
- Class: Redshirt Freshman
- Previous School: Grambling State University (Transferred to AAMU for his first season)
- High School: Mayfair High School (Lakewood, CA)
- Career Highlights: Appeared in seven games for the Bulldogs during the 2024 season, recording three tackles in the game against Austin Peay.
The Tragic Circumstances: In-Game Head Injury
Burnett Jr. sustained a severe head injury on October 26, 2024, during a game that holds immense cultural significance in Alabama: the annual Magic City Classic against rival Alabama State University. The game was played at Legion Field in Birmingham.
The injury occurred during a head-on collision play. He was immediately hospitalized and placed on life support, fighting for over a month before tragically passing away in late November 2024.
The prolonged battle and the nature of the injury—a direct consequence of playing the sport—catalyzed an outpouring of grief and support. His sister, Dominece James, established a GoFundMe campaign to assist the family with mounting medical expenses and funeral costs. The campaign quickly raised tens of thousands of dollars, demonstrating the solidarity of the college football community.
The Shocking Road Tragedies of Two Young Players
While the focus has been on player safety on the field, the Alabama football orbit also faced the devastation of two distinct off-field road incidents that claimed the lives of two other players.
1. James E. Owens Jr. (Huntingdon College)
In a tragedy that occurred very recently, James E. Owens Jr., a promising Defensive Lineman for Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, died in a fatal car crash.
- Full Name: James E. Owens Jr.
- Age: 20
- College: Huntingdon College (NCAA Division III)
- Position: Defensive Lineman
- Class: Junior
- Cause of Death: Head-on car crash in Chilton County, Alabama.
- Date of Death: November 10, 2025.
Owens' vehicle collided with a truck in Chilton County, and he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The loss of the junior player, who was a former Northridge High School standout, left the small Huntingdon Hawks community in deep mourning, with his coaches and teammates remembering his dedication and positive spirit.
2. Terrance Howard (Former University of Alabama DB)
The former University of Alabama walk-on, Terrance Howard, also met a tragic end in a recent accident. Howard's journey took him from the Crimson Tide to a new program before his untimely death.
- Full Name: Terrance Howard
- Age: 19
- College Ties: Former walk-on cornerback for the University of Alabama (spent the 2023 season and 2024 spring with the Crimson Tide).
- Current Team: Defensive Back at North Carolina Central University.
- Cause of Death: Succumbed to injuries after being struck by a vehicle in North Carolina.
Howard's death, which occurred in the weeks following the accident, highlighted the vulnerability of student-athletes even when they are not on the field. The loss was felt deeply by both the University of Alabama and the North Carolina Central communities, who mourned the young defensive back's potential.
The Broader Conversation: Player Safety and NCAA Protocol
The death of Medrick Burnett Jr. due to an in-game injury has reignited the critical debate surrounding NCAA player safety and the effectiveness of current concussion protocol standards. While football has always carried risks, a catastrophic injury leading to death forces institutions to re-evaluate their protective measures.
The Push for Uniform Concussion Policies
The NCAA has established requirements for concussion management, mandating that any student-athlete diagnosed with a concussion cannot return to play or practice on the same day. However, the sheer force involved in college football collisions, especially in rivalry games like the Magic City Classic, continues to pose a significant threat.
Efforts are continuously being made to reduce the risk of catastrophic injuries. The NCAA has been working on uniform concussion policies since the early 2010s to address the high number of injuries in the sport. The tragic passing of Burnett Jr. is a stark reminder that even with modern equipment and immediate medical attention, the risk remains. It underscores the need for continuous review of NCAA football injury protocols, particularly regarding head-to-head contact and tackling techniques.
The Impact on the Community
These recent tragedies have had a profound impact on the respective college campuses and the broader Alabama community. The deaths of Burnett Jr., Owens Jr., and Howard represent a collective loss of immense potential. Tributes from teammates, coaches, and university officials have focused on the character, dedication, and bright futures of these young men. The financial support rallied through efforts like the Medrick Burnett Jr. GoFundMe page illustrates the deep bonds formed within the collegiate athletic world and the community's desire to support the grieving families.
As the college football world moves forward, the memory of these three young athletes—a promising linebacker, a dedicated defensive lineman, and a talented defensive back—will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for continued vigilance in player health and road safety for all student-athletes.
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