Missouri’s season has taken a serious turn.
Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz revealed Tuesday that freshman offensive tackle Johnnie “DJ Jones” is hospitalized in Florida and needs a heart transplant.
Drinkwitz, during a press conference, shared that Missouri’s staff during freshman intake testing uncovered a heart issue Jones had been dealing with.
For two weeks, the school observed him and didn’t feel like it was getting the “resolution” it wanted before sending Jones for a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., when a “much more significant issue” was discovered.
“We found in the last week that Johnnie’s on a heart transplant list,” a clearly emotional Drinkwitz told reporters. “And he’s in Mayo, and it’s tough right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they go through this. 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 called for some extra help from the Tigers fanbase.
“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.”
Jones, a Florida native, was a four-star recruit and ranked 108th nationally by 247Sports.
He committed to Missouri after a standout career at Venice High School.
Jones’ Instagram account has been active, as his story has reshared multiple posts wishing him well and sending him prayers.
