The 18-year-old offensive lineman had successful surgery Wednesday night and is now recovering, head coach Eli Drinkwitz announced.
Missouri freshman offensive lineman Johnnie "DJ" Jones received a heart transplant Wednesday night, head coach Eli Drinkwitz announced Thursday morning. Jones, 18, had been hospitalized after team medical staff flagged an issue during standard freshman intake, and he had been placed on a heart transplant list before the surgery took place.
Drinkwitz said the surgery was successful and that Jones is now recovering. "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 posted to his social media account. He asked for continued prayers for Jones, his family, the donor family and his caregivers as the recovery process begins.
Jones had been hospitalized at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. Drinkwitz addressed the situation during his weekly media availability before the update on the transplant was announced. The coach said the program will continue to share updates on Jones' recovery when possible.