Missouri OL Johnnie ‘DJ’ Jones Hospitalized, Listed for Heart Transplant

1 min read

Missouri freshman offensive tackle Johnnie ‘DJ’ Jones has been hospitalized and placed on the heart transplant list at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, according to head coach Eli Drinkwitz. The 18-year-old player was initially flagged for a heart issue during freshman intake testing this summer, Drinkwitz revealed during a news conference in Columbia, Missouri.

The team’s medical staff sought a second opinion from the Mayo Clinic after two weeks of observation failed to resolve the issue. Doctors there identified a more severe heart condition, requiring immediate action. The coaching staff was informed last week that Jones needs a heart transplant, according to AP reports.

Drinkwitz expressed the emotional impact of the news, emphasizing the support from fans and the coaching staff. ‘We found out that Johnnie’s now on a heart transplant list, and he’s in Mayo, and it’s tough right now,’ he said. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they go through this.’

Jones, a top offensive tackle from Florida, was considered one of the best recruits in the state during last year’s recruiting cycle. Standing at six-foot-six and weighing 315 pounds, he was a four-star recruit from Bradenton, Florida. He was part of Berkeley Prep’s 2023 FHSAA Class 2M state championship team, marking the first state title in the program’s history.

Previously a basketball player, Jones transferred from Berkeley Prep to Venice High, where he helped the Indians reach the FHSAA Class 7A state semifinals as a senior. His journey from the court to the football field highlights his versatility and determination, despite the challenges he now faces.

Source: Breitbart

Written by

claire.thomson