Medrick Burnett Jr: Alabama A&M Breaks Silence on Shocking ‘Dead’ Report—He’s Alive

Medrick Burnett Jr., a football player at Alabama A&M,’remains alive’ despite the university’s announcement that he passed away on Tuesday. Brian Howard, the director of sports information, called the “death” announcement a “unfortunate occurrence” and withdrew the original statement on Wednesday.

In a new statement released on Wednesday, the Alabama A&M Bulldogs said that Medrick Burnett Jr., who was reported dead on Tuesday due to injuries sustained on the field, “remains alive.” The freshman linebacker passed away following injuries he sustained in a game earlier in the season, according to a statement issued previously by Sports Information Director Brian Howard. Bryant, however, took back his initial claim that the “death” message was a “unfortunate occurrence” on Wednesday.

“We retract the news of the passing of Medrick Burnett Jr, that was originally advised by an immediate family member on Tuesday evening,” Howard stated in a statement. “Our staff acted accordingly to the wishes of the family member to inform the A&M community and beyond of this unfortunate occurrence.” Bryant had announced Burnett Jr.’s alleged death in a statement on Tuesday. The statement read: “Today, our Bulldog family is heartbroken by the loss of Medrick Burnett Jr. Medrick was more than an exceptional athlete; he was a remarkable young man whose positive energy, leadership, and compassion left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

“While words cannot adequately express our grief, we are humbled by the strength of his family, who stood by his side throughout this unimaginable ordeal.” On October 26, while playing in-state rivals Alabama State University in the yearly Magic City Classic, 20-year-old Medrick Burnett Jr. suffered a brain injury. He has been in a hospital for treatment. After receiving treatment for “several brain bleeds and swelling of the brain,” his condition worsened, according to the Associated Press, which cited a GoFundMe started by Dominece James, Burnett Jr.’s sister.
Burnett, a native of Lakewood, California, played for Grambling State until transferring to Alabama A&M in 2024. He made seven appearances, and against Austin Peay State, he recorded a season-high three tackles.