The RMU Department of Athletics is saddened to announce the recent passing of RMU Hall of Famer James Noel. 

One of just three student-athletes in school history to garner All-Northeast Conference honors each of his four years with the program, Noel started 41 games at linebacker during his tenure and compiled a school record 437 career tackles. 

Named the 2002 NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year and the 2004 NEC Defensive Player of the Year, Noel was also named a I-AA All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) in 2004 after finishing with 115 tackles, including 51 solo stops, and five sacks. 

Noel finished with a career high of 18 tackles twice - his 18 tackles against Sacred Heart (10/30/04) stands as the Moon Stadium record. He had 15+ tackles on eight different occasions. 

He was inducted into the Robert Morris Hall of Fame in 2019.

Funeral arrangements in the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. area to be announced at a later date.