UVA’s Jones leaves rehabilitation after spine injury
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Andrea Adelson, ESPN Elder WriterNov 28, 2023, 04:04 PM ET
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- ACC press reporter.
- Signed up with ESPN.com in 2010.
- Graduate of the University of Florida.Virginia running back Perris Jones was released Tuesday from a Louisville rehab center following a spinal cord injury he sustained in a game versus the Cardinals earlier this month.Jones was hurt on Nov. 9 after catching a pass, and taking
a helmet-to-helmet hit. He was instantly paralyzed and taken to the hospital, where he went through spinal cord surgery. After a week in ICU, he was moved to Frazier Rehab Institute, where he spent the last 12 days. He will now return home to Charlottesville, Va., where he will continue with his rehab.Jones spoke at an interview at UofL Health on Tuesday, thanking
the physicians, staff members, Louisville and Virginia communities, coaches and teammates for their support. “If he can do it, I can do it, too,”Jones said.”Since being here and since
whatever took place, it’s not something that you prepare for. It’s not something that you ever anticipate to occur. It’s not something you wish to take place, however it did,”Jones said.” I’m a firm believer in Jesus Christ. That’s something I base on, so I strongly think whatever occurs for a reason.”Jones said following the hit he might not feel anything.”I realized my body went
numb, “he stated.” I closed my eyes and stated a fast prayer.” UofL Health doctors likewise spoke during the press conference,
noting his strength and capability to keep pressing forward throughout his rehabilitation.”We really needed to stop him because he kept going and going and going,”Dr. Camilo Castillo said.Jones, a sixth-year senior, will no longer play football however his viewpoint is clear following his injury.”If you can make it through the night, there’s a brighter day,”Jones stated.” I wait that.
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