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A University of Missouri offensive lineman is in urgent need of a heart transplant, his coach has confirmed.

Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz announced in an emotional press conference on Tuesday, October 6, that 18-year-old Johnnie “DJ” Jones is currently hospitalized in Jacksonville, Florida.

“It’s tough right now,” Drinkwitz said in a video shared by ABC’s Nathalie Jones on X. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, as they go through this.”

The head coach continued, “I know Johnnie was watching our game [against Florida on October 3]. 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…. 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.”

Jones, a freshman at the University of Missouri, first learned of his heart condition during routine testing over the summer.

The medical staff monitored him closely for several weeks before he was sent to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, where doctors determined that he would need a heart transplant, the coach explained. His exact diagnosis has not been publicly disclosed.

Drinkwitz said the team is praying for Jones and encouraged fans to do the same.

Florida’s Venice Football also showed its support for its graduate in a Facebook post shared Wednesday, October 7. “DJ can use your prayers and support!” they wrote, prompting an outpouring of well wishes from supporters in the comments.

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