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Tragedy Strikes The Tide: A Look At The Alabama Football Players Who Died Recently

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The world of college football, and specifically the Alabama community, has been grappling with a series of profound and heartbreaking losses in recent months. As of December 19, 2025, the most immediate tragedy centers on the passing of an active college player following an in-game injury, sending shockwaves through the entire state's football landscape. This article provides a comprehensive look at the recent deaths that have deeply impacted the storied programs of the Crimson Tide and other Alabama-based institutions, focusing on the fresh, immediate details surrounding these young lives cut short and the legacies of former legends.

The sudden nature of these tragedies, from in-game injuries to off-field accidents, has prompted a wave of tributes and a renewed focus on player safety and mental health. The collective grief highlights the deep connection between the players, the programs, and the passionate fan bases across Alabama. Here are the details of the players the community is currently mourning.

The Tragic Loss of Medrick Burnett Jr.: A Life Cut Short on the Field

The death of Medrick Burnett Jr. represents one of the most devastating recent events, involving a young, active college football player whose life ended due to an injury sustained during a game. The circumstances surrounding his passing have ignited conversations about the inherent risks of the sport and the need for enhanced medical protocols in college athletics.

Medrick Burnett Jr. Biography and Final Game

  • Full Name: Medrick Burnett Jr.
  • Age at Death: 20
  • Position: Linebacker (LB)
  • College: Alabama A&M University (AAMU)
  • Hometown: Southern California (Transferred to AAMU)
  • Date of Injury: October 26, 2024
  • Game: Magic City Classic (vs. Alabama State)
  • Date of Death: November 27, 2024
  • Cause of Death: Complications from a severe head injury sustained during the game.
  • Impact: His death occurred one month after the injury, following a period of hospitalization, making the news particularly fresh and painful for the AAMU and HBCU community.

Burnett Jr., a 20-year-old linebacker for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs, suffered a severe head injury during the annual Magic City Classic game against rival Alabama State on October 26, 2024.

He was hospitalized immediately following the incident, but tragically succumbed to his injuries a month later on November 27, 2024.

The news of his passing, particularly after a premature announcement of his death had been made by the team, sent waves of grief and confusion through the AAMU community and the broader college football world.

His death serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll of football and has led to an outpouring of support for his family and the Alabama A&M program, with many calling for a deeper examination of player safety measures.

Former Crimson Tide Stars Lost in Recent Years

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide program, known for its deep history and numerous NFL alumni, has also mourned the loss of several key figures in the recent past. These deaths, though occurring off the field, have brought a sense of collective sorrow to the Tuscaloosa faithful and the national football landscape.

Ahmaad Galloway: A Crimson Tide Running Back's Tragic End

Ahmaad Galloway, a former running back for the Crimson Tide, was a prominent figure from the early 2000s era. His death in 2023 shocked the program due to his relatively young age and the unexpected nature of his passing.

Ahmaad Galloway Biography and Death Details

  • Full Name: Ahmaad Galloway
  • Age at Death: 42
  • Position: Running Back (RB)
  • College: University of Alabama (1999–2002)
  • NFL Career: Drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 7th round (2003)
  • Date of Death: January 9, 2023
  • Cause of Death: Accidental overdose.
  • Legacy: Galloway was known for his powerful running style and was a key part of the Crimson Tide backfield during his tenure. He later worked as an eighth-grade English teacher and a football coach.

Galloway was found deceased in his apartment in St. Louis, Missouri, after failing to report to his job as a middle school teacher.

The former Alabama star played four seasons for the Crimson Tide from 1999 to 2002, before being drafted by the Denver Broncos.

His official cause of death was later determined to be an accidental overdose, a revelation that highlighted the silent battles many individuals face after their playing careers conclude.

Khyree Jackson: A Promising NFL Career Cut Short

The death of Khyree Jackson, a recent alumnus of the Alabama program and a current NFL rookie, was another devastating blow to the community. His passing in a multi-vehicle accident occurred just as his professional career was beginning to take shape.

Khyree Jackson Biography and Death Details

  • Full Name: Khyree Jackson
  • Age at Death: 24
  • Position: Cornerback (CB)
  • College Career: Fort Scott CC, University of Alabama (2021–2022), Oregon Ducks (2023)
  • NFL Career: Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round (2024)
  • Date of Death: The news of his death was reported recently, while he was a Vikings rookie.
  • Cause of Death: Killed in a multi-vehicle car crash in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
  • Impact: Jackson's death shook both the collegiate and professional football worlds, as he was a rising star in the NFL. He died alongside two former high school teammates.

Jackson spent two seasons with the Crimson Tide after transferring from Fort Scott Community College before finishing his college career at Oregon.

He was a fourth-round draft pick for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft, making his death particularly tragic as it occurred during his rookie season.

The car accident that claimed his life in Maryland involved multiple vehicles, underscoring the sudden and unpredictable nature of the loss.

Honoring Alabama's Football Legends

Beyond the young players lost too soon, the Alabama football family has also recently bid farewell to several iconic figures whose careers spanned decades and helped build the program's legendary status. Honoring these individuals is crucial for maintaining the topical authority and historical reverence of the Crimson Tide.

Legends Who Have Recently Passed

  • Woodrow Lowe: A College Football Hall of Fame linebacker, Lowe died at the age of 71 after a long illness. He was a star at Alabama from 1972-1975 and was a two-time consensus All-American. He was the second player in program history to be named first-team All-American three times.
  • Lee Roy Jordan: A legendary linebacker for the Crimson Tide in the 1960s and a longtime star for the Dallas Cowboys, Jordan passed away at the age of 84. His death marked the loss of one of the program's foundational defensive greats.
  • Kevin Turner: A former Crimson Tide running back, Turner passed away after a long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). His struggle and the subsequent research into CTE have become a significant part of the conversation around football-related brain trauma.

The passing of these legends, while often due to age or long-term illness, reinforces the deep-rooted history and the enduring legacy of the Alabama football program. Their contributions to the sport are remembered through their accolades, their mentorship, and the standard of excellence they established for future generations of players.

The Impact on the Alabama Community and the Future of Player Safety

The recent string of losses, particularly the death of Medrick Burnett Jr. from an in-game injury, has placed a spotlight on the emotional and physical safety of college athletes. The football community in Alabama, encompassing players, coaches, alumni, and fans, has come together to support the families and honor the legacies of the deceased.

Tributes have poured in from major figures, including coaches and former teammates, emphasizing the character and dedication of the players lost. The events serve as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the need for comprehensive support systems for athletes, both during and after their playing careers.

Moving forward, the focus will inevitably shift toward how programs like Alabama A&M and the Crimson Tide can further enhance emergency medical response, mental health resources, and overall player well-being to prevent future tragedies. The memory of these players—Medrick Burnett Jr., Ahmaad Galloway, and Khyree Jackson—will undoubtedly fuel these critical conversations for years to come.

Tragedy Strikes the Tide: A Look at the Alabama Football Players Who Died Recently
alabama player died
alabama player died

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