Eli Drinkwitz reveals Mizzou freshman lineman DJ Jones needs heart transplant
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz revealed Tuesday that freshman offensive lineman Johnnie “DJ” Jones is currently in need of a heart transplant.
Drinkwitz shared that Jones is currently at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and is now on a list for a heart transplant.
“Johnnie Jones. DJ was here this summer. When we do our freshman intake, we discovered a heart issue,” Drinkwitz told reporters, per Cody Goodwin of 247Sports. “We observed him for two weeks and felt like we were getting the information we needed, so we asked for a second opinion. We weren’t getting the resolution that we wanted. Our medical team said, ‘Let’s go get more eyes and ears.’ We sent him to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and discovered a more significant issue.
“Last week, we found out that Johnnie is now on a heart transplant list. He’s at Mayo. It’s tough right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as he goes through this. It’s hard, an 18-year-old with everything in front of him. Our team wasn’t prepared for that kind of news. We’re praying for him. I hope Mizzou fans will join us in praying for him. He needs help. Fast. We’re pulling for you, buddy.”
Out of Venice (Florida) High School, Jones was a 4-star recruit. He signed with Mizzou over scholarship offers from 32 other programs, including Florida State, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and Colorado.
The Mizzou football team improved to 4-1 on the season this past Saturday, upsetting a then-No. 8 Florida team in a homecoming blowout on Faurot Field. The No. 14 Tigers host Texas A&M on Saturday.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
