Missouri freshman Johnnie 'DJ' Jones, 18, receives heart transplant, coach says

Missouri freshman offensive tackle Johnnie "DJ" Jones is recovering after receiving a heart transplant, his head football coach confirmed Thursday morning. 

Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz said earlier in the week that Jones had been hospitalized at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and was in need of the transplant. 

The backstory:

Missouri staff detected an issue with Jones’ heart over the summer during freshman intake testing, Drinkwitz told reporters at a news conference. The team’s medical staff sought out a second opinion with the Mayo Clinic when they did not see a resolution or get answers after two weeks of observation. 

Doctors at the Mayo Clinic detected a much more serious heart problem, FOX Sports reported.

What they're saying:

Coach Eli Drinkwitz said on X that Wednesday’s surgery went well.

"We are incredibly grateful for the medical team who cared for DJ and for the donor and donor family whose extraordinary gift made this possible," Drinkwitz wrote. "Please continue to keep DJ, his family, the donor family, and his caregivers in your prayers as he begins the recovery process." 

Jones graduated from Venice High School on Florida's Gulf Coast after helping the school to a Florida Class 7A State Semifinals berth. He signed with Missouri as a four-star recruit. 

 

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