Freshman Mizzou football player in need of heart transplant, coach Eli Drinkwitz says
By Chloe Godding
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COLUMBIA, Missouri (KMBC) — A freshman football player at the University of Missouri is in the hospital and in need of a heart transplant, coach Eli Drinkwitz said Tuesday.
Drinkwitz wrapped up a news conference with an emotional answer about the status of offensive lineman Johnnie “DJ” Jones, who he shouted out after the Tigers’ win on Saturday.
Drinkwitz said that while doing freshman intake assessments over the summer, they discovered a heart issue with Jones.
After monitoring him for a few weeks, Mizzou staff decided to send him to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, for a second opinion and to get more information.
But after that evaluation, Drinkwitz said they discovered “a much more significant issue.”
“Last week, we found out that Johnnie’s now on a heart transplant list, and he’s at Mayo, and it’s tough right now,” Drinkwitz said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they go through this. I know Johnnie was watching our game.”
Drinkwitz asked fans to pray for Jones as he and his family navigate this challenging time.
“It’s just hard. An 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. But 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.”
Drinkwitz ended the news conference with a message of support for Jones: “We’re pulling for you, buddy.”
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