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PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 6: Quarterback Chandler Whitmer #10 of the Connecticut Huskies looks to pass as Jamil Merrell #92 and Steve Beauharnais #42 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights close in during a game at High Point Solutions Stadium on October 6, 2012 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Connecticut 19-3. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images) | Getty Images
Former Rutgers football captain and defensive end Jamil Merrell passed away yesterday at the age of 36, according to a post his brother Jamal made on social media. No cause of death was made public.
Merrell played at Rutgers from 2009-2013, and served as a captain during that time. He played alongside his brother and saw playing time under both head coach Greg Schiano during his first stint and former Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood.
Merrell continued his football career after Rutgers, landing on the Chicago Bears practice squad before spending a few seasons in the AFL.
Jamal released the following statement on Facebook to honor his brother.
“As I write this, I’m sitting beside my twin brother, surrounded by our family, knowing that we’re witnessing one of the hardest moments we’ll ever have to face. With tears in our eyes and love in our hearts, I want everyone to know that my twin brother, Jamil, is peacefully transitioning to be with God.
Before this moment, he looked at us with peace and said, “It’s time for me to level up, and everything down here for me is complete.”
Those words will stay with me for the rest of my life.
If you were blessed enough to know Jamil, then you know exactly who he was. He loved with his whole heart. He kept it real no matter who you were. He would give you the shirt off his back, tell you the truth even when it was hard to hear, and stand beside the people he loved no matter what. He didn’t just live life he poured every ounce of himself into it.
Today, heaven is gaining a warrior.
Twin… from the very first heartbeat we shared, we’ve been side by side. We entered this world together, and it’s hard to imagine walking through it without you. Thank you for every laugh, every argument, every memory, every lesson, and every moment. Thank you for being the best twin brother I could have ever asked God for.
Watching you fight has been one of the most courageous things I’ve ever witnessed. You never complained. You never quit. You stood 10 toes down through it all. A true soldier. A true warrior. You fought with everything you had until your very last breath.
My heart is broken in a way I can’t even describe, but knowing you’re finally free from the pain gives me peace. No more suffering. No more hospitals. No more hurting. Just peace… the kind of peace you deserve.
I love you more than these words could ever express, and a part of me will always be missing until we’re together again.
BJ… I know you’re waiting for him with open arms. Love y’all boys forreal I’ll keep making you both proud until God says it’s my time to level up too.
Rest easy, Twin. Your work here is done. You finished your race with honor, strength, and faith.
I love you forever twin. See you when I level up.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jamal and the Merrell family during this difficult time.
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