​Former Rutgers football captain Jamil Merrell has died at the age of 36, his twin brother Jamal announced. Jamal shared the news on Instagram on Tuesday, July 7, describing the heartbreaking moment as he sat beside his twin and surrounded by family, acknowledging they were facing one of the hardest moments of their lives. “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,” he wrote. He added that before this moment, Jamil looked at them with peace and said, “It’s time for me to level up, and everything down here for me is complete.”
Merrell’s cause of death was not immediately disclosed. The Delaware native spent his college years in New Jersey as a member of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, where he played defensive end and linebacker from 2009 through 2013. Over four seasons, he appeared in 34 career games, with 18 starts, and totaled 81 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and four pass breakups, according to the university. In 2013, he and his brother Jamal served as captains for Rutgers, becoming only the second pair of brothers to hold captaincy roles simultaneously in the school’s history, according to NJ.com.
After college, Merrell pursued professional football, spending time with the Chicago Bears on their practice squad and in the Arena Football League. He later transitioned to coaching and served as a sports performance coach and defensive coordinator at Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear, Delaware. Jamal’s tribute on social media described Jamil as “a true soldier, a true warrior.” He wrote, “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.”
Jamal also conveyed his heartbreak at his twin’s passing, noting that while his heart is broken beyond description, there is comfort in the belief that Jamil is finally free from pain. “No more suffering. No more hospitals. No more hurting. Just peace… the kind of peace you deserve,” he concluded.
Merrell’s legacy as a Rutgers captain and as a dedicated athlete, mentor, and coach remains a poignant chapter in the memories of teammates, family, and the many fans who followed his career. His family’s public messages reflect a blend of sorrow, faith, and enduring appreciation for the time they shared with him. The Rutgers community continues to honor his contributions on and off the field, remembering a player who helped lead his team and later influenced younger athletes through his coaching and mentorship.