Missouri freshman Johnnie ‘DJ’ Jones has received a heart transplant. Coach Eli Drinkwitz shared the update on Thursday morning.

Jones, an offensive tackle, had a heart issue discovered during freshman intake. Team staff monitored him for two weeks without improvement.

He was sent to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Doctors found a much more serious problem. Last week, Jones was placed on the heart transplant list.

On Thursday morning, Drinkwitz posted that Jones had received his new heart overnight. ‘His surgery went well. He is now recovering,’ the coach wrote.

Drinkwitz was emotional speaking about the 18-year-old earlier in the week. He asked the Missouri family to keep Jones and his family in their prayers.

The team learned the news last week and went on to rout Florida in a statement win. Drinkwitz said he knew Jones was watching the game.

Jones arrived at Missouri as a highly rated recruit. His football future is now the last thing on anyone’s mind. Recovery comes first.

Transplant recipients face months of rehabilitation. The team’s statement win over Florida was dedicated to him, and players have worn his number in practice.