Eli Drinkwitz reveals DJ Jones had ‘like 21 days’ to live before heart transplant
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Eli Drinkwitz spoke with ESPN’s Marty Smith about the heart transplant Mizzou offensive lineman Johnnie “DJ” Jones received earlier in the week.
While Jones is well on the road to recovery after a successful procedure, things were very dire for the freshman. His heart was failing, and had he not received his transplant when he did, he might not have been alive much longer, Drinkwitz said.
“Wednesday, we got a call, and he was being placed on an ECMO machine, which basically is a machine that acts as your heart,” Mizzou’s head coach said. “Once you go on that, time starts really becoming of the essence. Like 21 days (to live).”
Surgery began Wednesday night “at 10 p.m.” and “by 7:30 the next morning, (Jones) had gone through a transplant,” Eli Drinkwitz continued. Fortunately, it’s been “so far, so good” for Jones as his body continues to adjust to its new heart.
“It’s been incredible. Still a long way to go — but appreciate the support,” Drinkwitz said.
Financial help has been pouring in for Jones from all over. A page set up for him on the site SupportNow has a goal of $200,000 and has raised over $37,000 as of Saturday afternoon.
During their Week 6 game against Texas A&M, the Tigers wore a “DJ” helmet sticker in honor of their teammate.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
