‘Incredibly grateful’: Mizzou football player recovering after heart transplant, coach says
By Chloe Godding
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COLUMBIA, Missouri (KMBC) — A University of Missouri football player is recovering after receiving a heart transplant, coach Eli Drinkwitz said Thursday.
Earlier this week, Drinkwitz emotionally spoke about the health of freshman Johnnie “DJ” Jones, saying after routine evaluations for the football program, staff noticed a heart issue.
Jones was later taken to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, where he and his family learned he would need a heart transplant.
But there’s now a positive update to the story.
“Last night, DJ received his heart transplant, and his surgery went well. He is now recovering,” Drinkwitz said in a social media post. “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 said he will provide updates when possible.
“Please continue to keep DJ, his family, the donor family and his caregivers in your prayers as he begins the recovery process,” Drinkwitz said. “We are so thankful for the incredible prayers and support from the entire Mizzou Family.”
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