Mizzou Lineman DJ Jones Recovers After Heart Transplant Surgery

Successful Surgery for Tigers Freshman

Missouri freshman offensive lineman Johnnie DJ Jones received a heart transplant on Wednesday night. According to a statement released on Thursday by Missouri head coach Eliah Drinkwitz, the surgery went well and Jones is currently recovering.

The young lineman was hospitalized in Florida while awaiting the transplant. He is a 6 foot 6, 315 pound freshman from Venice High School in Florida, where he was highly regarded as a top offensive line prospect.

Routine Testing Saves a Life

The team's medical staff first detected Jones' heart issue during routine testing of freshmen this summer. Medical personnel monitored him for a couple of weeks before sending him to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. It was there that doctors discovered the true severity of his health issue.

Last week, an emotional Drinkwitz revealed Jones' condition to the public and announced his place on the heart transplant list. At the time, the coach said Jones "does need help in a hurry."

Following the successful surgery, Drinkwitz released a statement thanking everyone involved. "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. He also asked the public to keep Jones, his family, the donor family, and his caregivers in their prayers during the recovery process. The coach added that the program is thankful for the support from the entire Mizzou family.

What it means for the next game

Texas A&M Aggies at Missouri Tigers (College Football, Sat, 10 Oct): Missouri Tigers win 58%, Texas A&M Aggies win 42%; projected score Missouri Tigers 27, Texas A&M Aggies 23. Our safest pick: Over 38.5 points.

Missouri Tigers at Ole Miss Rebels (College Football, Sat, 17 Oct): Ole Miss Rebels win 67%, Missouri Tigers win 33%; projected score Ole Miss Rebels 31, Missouri Tigers 25. Our safest pick: Ole Miss to win.