Missouri Freshman Football Player DJ Jones Hospitalized, Needs Heart Transplant
University of Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz revealed the freshman offensive tackle is in Florida awaiting a transplant after a heart condition was discovered during routine intake testing.
Missouri freshman offensive tackle Johnnie “DJ” Jones has been hospitalized in Florida and is on a heart transplant list, head coach Eli Drinkwitz announced Tuesday.
Drinkwitz shared the news during a press conference, stating that a heart issue was uncovered during freshman intake testing. The university observed Jones for two weeks before sending him for a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, where a more significant problem was identified.
"We found in the last week that Johnnie’s on a heart transplant list," Drinkwitz said, visibly emotional. "And he’s in Mayo, and it’s tough right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they go through this."
Jones, a Florida native, was a four-star recruit and ranked 108th nationally by 247Sports. He committed to Missouri after a successful high school career at Venice High School.
Drinkwitz expressed the difficulty of the situation for the team and the player.
"I know Johnnie was watching our game [on Saturday against Florida]. It’s just hard; 18-year-old with everything in front of him, and you’re just not prepared for that kind of news, our team wasn’t prepared for that kind of news," Drinkwitz added. He appealed to the Mizzou fanbase for support, saying, "We’re praying for him and I know a lot of Mizzou fans will hopefully join in that prayer because he does need help in a hurry. … We’re pulling for you, buddy."