Former Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones has encouraged his fellow NFL players to take charge of their own health after injuries rendered him unable to ‘run or jump’ just three years after signing a megadeal.
Byron Jones will miss the entire 2022 season after having Achilles tendon surgery last March, although he is under contract with the Dolphins through 2024 after signing a five-year, $82 million deal in 2020.
That large compensation, however, was not worth the regrettable cost’ to the one-time Pro Bowler’s body, he claimed.
‘Much has changed in 8 years. Nowadays, I can’t run or jump because of the injuries I incurred while playing this game,’ Byron Jones stated in response to a 2015 tweet complimenting his jumping abilities.
‘DO NOT take the pills they give you. DO NOT USE THE INJECTIONS GIVEN TO YOU. If you really must, see an outside doctor to learn about the long-term consequences.
It was an honor and privilege to play in the NFL, but it came at an unexpected cost,’ he concluded. ‘In my opinion, no amount of professional success or financial gain is worth preventable chronic pain and disability.
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Despite Byron Jones’ post looking to signal retirement, a source told ESPN that is not the case.
Byron Jones was previously anticipated to be healed by training camp in 2022 after undergoing Achilles surgery, which ESPN referred to as a “clean up,” according to the publication.
However, his injuries did not appear to heal since he did not play in the Dolphins’ 9-8 regular season.
The Dolphins may be encouraged to let go of the 2015 first-round pick since doing so would save them $13.6 million if they released or traded him after June 1.
In addition, Byron Jones’ position coach, Sam Madison, seemed to question his toughness in January.
‘He could have…helped,’ he told the Miami Herald’s, Barry Jackson. ‘Injuries arise. Some folks struggle through them. Some don’t.”
If Byron Jones remains with the Dolphins, he will earn $14.1 million in 2023.
