Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones is opening up about the injuries he’s suffered through and advising his fellow football on how to avoid them.
Although the professional athlete expressed gratitude for his time in the NFL, the 30-year-old was quick to admit that playing the game left him with chronic pain and medical issues. “It was an honor and privilege to play in the NFL but it came at a regrettable cost I did not foresee,” he wrote on Twitter. “Today, I can’t run or jump because of my injuries sustained playing this game.”
Jones, who did not play in any games last season due to his Achilles tendon injury, went on to warn other players against the treatment NFL doctors do on fresh injuries. More specifically, he alleges that they try “quick fixes” to injuries that likely require extensive medical care, which ends up altering their ability to play in the future.
“DO NOT take the pills they give you. DO NOT take the injections they give you. If you absolutely must, consult an outside doctor to learn the long-term implications,” he said.
RELATED: Historic NFL Broadcaster Irv Cross Died With Stage 4 CTE, Medical Experts Say
“I did not foresee. In my opinion, no amount of professional success or financial gain is worth avoidable chronic pain and disabilities,” Jones added. In his final statement, he wished luck to those participating in the upcoming NFL Draft. “Godspeed to the draft class of 2023,” the athlete concluded.
Bryon Jones to be waived from the Miami Dolphins at the start of the NFL season
Since he was put on the injury list, Jones maintained his plan to stay in the NFL. Despite claiming that he cannot run or jump, no retirement plan has been announced. However, the Miami Dolphins reportedly announced plans to release the cornerback from his five-year contract, which was initially signed in 2020. When he signed the 82.5 million contract, he made headlines as the highest-paid cornerback in the league. During his seasons with Miami, he had two interceptions and 95 tackles in 30 games.
According to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, the team is planning on releasing him when the upcoming NFL season starts on March 15th.
Per the NFL, “The Dolphins plan to designate Jones a post-June 1 cut, saving the club $13.6 million on the salary cap. The team will carry the corner’s cap figure until that date, but he will enter free agency next week.”
