Former Rutgers Football Captain Jamil Merrell Dead at 36, Twin Brother Says

Jamil Merrell, a former Rutgers University football captain, has died at the age of 36. His twin brother, Jamal Merrell, announced the news via Instagram on Tuesday, July 7, sharing that Jamil was "peacefully transitioning to be with God." Jamil was a defensive lineman for the Scarlet Knights from 2009 to 2013 and served as a captain alongside his brother during their senior season. After college, he signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent and later played in the Arena Football League, most recently working as the defensive coordinator at Red Lion Christian Academy in Delaware. Jamal Merrell shared that his brother's final words were, "It's time for me to level up, and everything down here for me is complete." While the cause of death has not been revealed, Jamal wrote that watching his brother fight has been "one of the most courageous things I've ever witnessed" and that he takes comfort knowing Jamil is no longer in pain. Red Lion Christian Academy also paid tribute, stating that Coach Jamil's "heart, knowledge, and passion will forever be a part of our program."