Missouri freshman offensive tackle Johnnie “DJ” Jones has received the heart transplant he needed, and coach Eli Drinkwitz said the surgery went well.
Drinkwitz shared the update Thursday morning on X, saying Jones got the transplant Wednesday night and is now recovering. The coach also included a message of gratitude for the people who helped make the procedure possible.
“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,” the statement read. “Please continue to keep DJ, his family, the donor family, and his caregivers in your prayers as he begins the recovery process.
We are so thankful for the incredible prayers and support from the entire Mizzou Family. We will continue to update you when we can.”
Jones’ family is also receiving help through a Support Now page set up to assist with recovery expenses. The page says the goal is to relieve some of that burden so the family can stay focused on Jones, his care and his healing.
“We are creating this support system to help ease some of that burden, allowing the Jones family to focus their energy where it belongs - on DJ, his care, his healing, and being together as a family,” the page reads.
It also asks for donations of any size, along with prayers and support for the family.
“Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help provide support with immediate and ongoing expenses. If you are unable to give financially, we simply ask that you keep DJ and the entire Jones family lifted in prayer and share this fundraiser with others.
Every prayer, kind word, and act of support means more than you may ever know. “DJ is a young man with so much life ahead of him, and he is surrounded by a family and community that loves him deeply.
We are trusting God, taking things one day at a time, and believing with all our hearts for the best possible outcome.”
Jones’ heart issue was first found during the team’s freshmen intake in the summer, and Missouri sent him to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, for care. Last week, the team learned he would need a heart transplant. He watched Missouri’s win over Florida from the hospital on Saturday.
Drinkwitz had described the news earlier this week as devastating.
“It’s just hard. A(n) 18-year-old with everything in front of him, and you're just not prepared for that kind of news," Drinkwitz said Tuesday.
“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. We're pulling for you, buddy.”
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Leipold was later penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after an official believed he was charging toward the referee to argue, when he was actually heading over to check on Gibbs. In his postgame media session, Leipold clarified what happened and said the pass interference calls were difficult ones, a reminder of how quickly confusion can turn an already costly stretch into an even bigger sideline headache. [Read more 🡒]