Add The New York Post on Google Former Rutgers football captain Jamil Merrell died at the age of 36, according his twin brother and fellow former Scarlet Knight Jamal.
Jamal did not reveal the cause of death, and said his family is facing “one of the hardest moments we’ll ever have to face.”
“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,’ 💪🏾,” Jamal wrote Wednesday in an Instagram post.
“Those words will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Jamil served as a defensive lineman for Rutgers from 2009-13, appearing in 34 games and starting 18 during his time with the program.
He’s credited with 81 tackles, 8 1/2 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, per the university.
Jamil served as a co-captain alongside Jamal during his senior season, and later signed with the Bears as an undrafted free agent although he did not appear an NFL game.
He also signed with the Brooklyn Bolts of the Fall Experimental League, the Los Angeles KISS of the Arena Football League and Colorado Crush of the Indoor Football League.
Jamil had been serving as the defensive coordinator for Red Lion Christian Academy in his native Delaware.
“Coach Jamil’s heart, knowledge, and passion will forever be a part of our program,” a member of the staff posted on Facebook. “Coach Jamil touched countless lives in a deeply positive way, and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest, most inspirational coaches and friends in our program’s history.”
Jamal said that his brother “loved with his whole heart” and was known for his honesty and helping others.
The two made history by becoming the first brothers to serve as Rutgers captains in 120 years, according to NJ.com.
View this post on Instagram “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,” Jamal wrote in his Instagram post. “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. 💪🏾✅.”
View this post on Instagram Jamal added that while his “heart is broken” in an indescribable way, he’s taking peace in knowing his twin is no longer in pain.
“No more suffering. No more hospitals. No more hurting. Just peace… the kind of peace you deserve,” Jamal wrote in his Instagram message. “I love you more than these words could ever express, and a part of me will always be missing until we’re together again.”
