Missouri Freshman Offensive Tackle Johnnie ‘DJ’ Jones Undergoes Successful Heart Transplant
Missouri freshman offensive tackle Johnnie ‘DJ’ Jones has received a heart transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Coach Eli Drinkwitz announced the surgery went well and Jones is recovering.
Biloxi Gulfport, MS, October 8, 2026 —
Missouri freshman offensive tackle Johnnie ‘DJ’ Jones has undergone a heart transplant surgery. The procedure took place at the Mayo Clinic, located in Jacksonville, Florida.
The announcement regarding the successful surgery was made by Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz. According to Coach Drinkwitz, the operation went well, and Jones is currently in recovery. Further details regarding the timeline of the transplant or Jones’s long-term prognosis were not immediately available.
Jones, a freshman player for the University of Missouri football team, has been a member of the team. The specific circumstances leading to the need for a heart transplant were not detailed in the announcement.
The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville is a well-known medical facility specializing in complex procedures, including organ transplantation. The statement from Coach Drinkwitz indicates a positive immediate outcome for Jones following the surgery. The football program is reportedly supporting Jones during his recovery period. Specifics about when Jones might be able to return to team activities are not yet known.
Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.wxxv25.com, see more information here.
