Jones has concerning health update, warns NFL prospects

Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

One-time Pro Bowl CB has concerning health update, offers warning to incoming draft class

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 2/25/23

Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones offered a concerning health update. The one-time Pro Bowler, who missed the entire 2022-23 NFL season, said that he "can't run or jump" due to injuries he suffered during his playing career. He seems to regret the physical toll it took on his body, and some interpreted his comments as a hint that he is done playing football.

However, ESPN reported that Jones is not retiring. Soon after ESPN's report, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported the "general expectation" is Jones will be cut by the Dolphins. However, Jackson also added that "nothing has been settled on that front."

Jones also issued a warning to the 2023 NFL Draft class in a series of tweets on Saturday.

Much has changed in 8 years. Today I can’t run or jump because of my injuries sustained playing this game. 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. https://t.co/g5TTHDQGSY
— Byron Jones (@TheByronJones) February 25, 2023

It was an honor and privilege to play in the NFL but it came at a regrettable cost I did not foresee. In my opinion, no amount of professional success or financial gain is worth avoidable chronic pain and disabilities. Godspeed to the draft class of 2023.
— Byron Jones (@TheByronJones) February 25, 2023

Jones was a first-round draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2015 and spent eight years playing in Dallas and Miami.

He joined the Dolphins before the 2020 season, signing a five-year, $82 million contract in free agency. At the time, that was the largest contract in NFL history for a cornerback.

After playing just two years out of that deal, he was placed on the PUP list prior to the 2022 season due to injury and was never activated.
The 30-year-old has appeared in 109 games during his NFL career, starting 103 of them, and intercepted four passes, returning one of them for a touchdown. He also recorded 444 tackles and five forced fumbles in his career, while making one Pro Bowl and a second-team All-Pro team during the 2018 season.

If Jones does indeed want to keep playing, his resume is certainly impressive enough to earn him some interest. However, the injuries he described in his tweets may prevent him from doing so.

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