Former Rutgers football captain Jamil Merrell has died at the age of 36, his twin brother and fellow former Scarlet Knight Jamal Merrell announced.
Jamal Merrell did not disclose the cause of death, stating that his family is experiencing "one of the hardest moments we’ll ever have to face." He shared a message from Jamil, who he said looked at his family with peace before his passing, saying, "It’s time for me to level up, and everything down here for me is complete."
Jamil Merrell played defensive lineman for Rutgers from 2009 to 2013. During his tenure, he appeared in 34 games, starting 18, and recorded 81 tackles, 8 1/2 sacks, and 16 tackles for loss, according to the university. He served as a co-captain alongside his twin brother, Jamal, during their senior season in 2013. The brothers made history as the first to serve as Rutgers captains in 120 years.
Merrrell signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent but did not appear in an NFL game. He also had stints with the Brooklyn Bolts of the Fall Experimental Football League, the Los Angeles KISS of the Arena Football League, and the Colorado Crush of the Indoor Football League.
After his playing career, Merrell transitioned into coaching. He most recently served as the defensive coordinator for Red Lion Christian Academy in his native Delaware. A statement from the school's staff described him as having "heart, knowledge, and passion," adding that he "touched countless lives in a deeply positive way" and will be remembered as an inspirational coach and friend.
Jamal Merrell described his brother as someone who "loved with his whole heart" and was known for his honesty and willingness to help others. Reflecting on their shared journey, Jamal wrote, "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."
He added that while his "heart is broken" he finds solace in knowing his twin brother is no longer suffering. "No more suffering. No more hospitals. No more hurting. Just peace… the kind of peace you deserve," Jamal wrote. "I love you more than these words could ever express, and a part of me will always be missing until we’re together again."