Former Rutgers football captain Jamil Merrell dies at 36

Former Rutgers football captain Jamil Merrell has died at the age of 36, his twin brother Jamal announced. Merrell’s cause of death was not immediately known, but a GoFundMe created by his brother said he had been battling cancer.

“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,” Jamal wrote on Instagram on July 7.

“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.”

Jamal said Merrell spoke with calm and clarity before his final moments. “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.’”

Jamil Merrell: A Player Who Left His Mark at Rutgers

Merrell, a native of Delaware, played defensive end and linebacker for Rutgers from 2009 through 2013. He appeared in 34 career games with 18 starts. He recorded 81 tackles, 8.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, along with a forced fumble and four pass breakups, according to the university.

In 2013, he served as a team captain alongside his twin brother Jamal, quarterback Gary Nova and wide receiver Brandon Coleman. The Merrell twins became only the second pair of brothers to serve as captains at the same time in Rutgers history.

After college, Merrell signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. He later played professionally in the Arena Football League.

Jamil Merrell: A Coach Who Poured Into His Community

Merrell transitioned to coaching after his playing career. He worked as a sports performance coach and defensive coordinator at Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear, Delaware. Staff members said he inspired young athletes and brought energy and honesty to every practice.

A Brother’s Tribute

Jamal’s tribute continued with a message that captured their bond from childhood through adulthood.

“If you were blessed enough to know Jamil, then you know exactly who he was,” Jamal wrote. “He loved with his whole heart and 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.”

Jamal called his brother a “true soldier” and “true warrior” who fought with everything he had until his final breath.

“Twin… from the very first heartbeat we shared, we’ve been side by side,” he wrote. “We entered this world together, and it’s hard to imagine walking through it without you.”

Family Creates GoFundMe For Jamil’s Son

In the GoFundMe created for Merrell’s son, Jamil Jr., Jamal wrote that his brother fought cancer for several years. He said Merrell never complained and never let the disease define him.

“More than anything, Jamil loved being a father,” the family wrote. “His greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his son, JR.”

The fundraiser will place donations into an investment account for Jamil’s son, accessible when he turns 18, Jamal said.

“Jamil was truly 1 of 1,” the fundraiser read. “His strength, laughter, generosity and love will never be forgotten.”

Tributes from Rutgers players, coaches and fans continue to spread across social media. Many called Merrell a leader, mentor and friend who shaped the program during a pivotal era.

“Rest easy, Twin,” Jamal wrote. “Your work here is done. You finished your race with honor, strength and faith.”