Florida Gators Forward Keyontae Johnson Recovering From Scary Collapse On Basketball Court: ‘Write Your Own Story…God Said My Work Here Ain’t Done’
At The Buzzer is happy to report that Keyontae Johnson posted a video Friday giving an update on his health:
“Hey everybody, first and foremost, I would like to thank God,” Johnson said in the post on Twitter. “I know y’all have been sending y’all prayers out the last few weeks and me and my parents are very grateful for the prayers that’s been going out.”
“Write your own story,” Johnson said. “God said my work here ain’t done..”
What wonderful news after what was a scary scene in Florida at the Florida vs Florida State Men’s Basketball game on Saturday, December 12. Johnson reportedly collapsed coming out of a timeout, per the AP.
“Florida basketball star Keyontae Johnson collapsed on the court Saturday,” ESPN’s SportsCenter said in a post. “On Tuesday, he made remarkable progress and FaceTimed his teammates. Today (Friday), he shared a video thanking everyone for the prayers and support.”
Johnson went on to thank the doctors and medical staff at the hospital he was in who supported him, along with the individual who helped him at Florida State. The Florida forward also gave a shout out to Gator nation and UF athletic family, thanking them for their prayers.
“Go Gators!” Johnson exclaimed at the end of his video.
“Keyontae Johnson continues to show truly encouraging signs of progress as he undergoes tests and further evaluation at UF Health,” Scott Stricklin, Florida Gators athletic director, said in a statement on December 17.
The Florida men’s basketball team also announced their upcoming non-conference games will be postponed. Those include the December 19 game vs Florida Atlantic, December 20 vs Florida A&M, and December 22 vs James Madison.
“This has been an emotionally taxing time for Keyontae’s family, friends and teammates,” Stricklin said. “Our hope is that everyone impacted will take an opportunity to process those emotions and regroup ahead of the start of the new year.”
The AP described the scary situation in what took place during Saturday’s game playing against Florida State:
“Johnson crumpled to the floor coming out (of) a timeout Saturday and received emergency medical attention. The (SEC’s) preseason player of the year was moved to a stretcher and carried to a waiting ambulance as teammates, coaches, staff, fans and others watched in disbelief…He spent two nights at Tallahassee Memorial before being transferred to Gainesville via helicopter with his mother by his side.”
Associated Press
Johnson reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 during the summer according to the AP. The AP states that “although the cause of Johnson’s collapse has not been revealed, the coronavirus can lead to myocarditis, a viral infection of the heart muscle. At its most severe, myocarditis can lead to sudden cardiac arrest and has been a documented cause of death for young, otherwise healthy athletes.'”
“His prognosis seems to be trending in the right direction, but we still have a lot of questions,” Stricklin said per the AP. “The medical folks have a lot of questions they want to make sure they get answered.”
A previous update from Keyontae’s parents on December 15 said he FaceTimed the team, was in stable condition, breathing on his own and speaking with his parents and doctors. Johnson’s parents mentioned they’re “beyond grateful for the care and attention that Keyontae has received throughout these past several days.”
Here’s just a small snapshot of all that love and the prayers Keyontae received:
That’s love from so many people. And the Johnson’s felt it.
“(Keyontae) and his family have again expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers and well-wishes,” Stricklin said.
And on the court, Johnson is All-SEC for a reason. If you haven’t seen Johnson play, here you go:
Thankfully, Johnson seems to be in good spirits. That’s such wonderful news! And At The Buzzer wishes you, Keyontae, your parents, and your family all the best in your recovery during this trying time.
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