It appears that Byron Jones, the National Football League (NFL) cornerback who plays for the Maimi Dolphins, has suddenly retired, USA Today reports.
What's more, is that Jones has issued a surprising warning to his fellow NFL players.
Jones explained his decision in two messages that he posted to his Twitter account on Saturday, Feb. 25.
In the first message, Jones reveals that he has suffered some pretty serious physical injuries while playing in the NFL. And, he issues a warning to his fellow NFL players.
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
Jones does not go into further detail about the possible connection that he implies exists between his current physical condition and the "pills" and "injections" that he has received.
In a follow-up message, though, Jones appears to announce his resignation from the NFL.
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
Fox News reports that Jones has been in the league for eight years now.
Jones was first drafted by the Dallas Cowboys during the first round of the 2015 draft.
For those curious about the above GIF, the New York Post reports:
This announcement was a quote tweet of a 2015 post from the NFL’s verified account, which featured a GIF of Jones, calling him “Mr. Broad Jump” because of an impressive feat he accomplished at the NFL Combine that year. He jumped 12 feet and three inches long, which the GIF showed is longer than two 2015 Mini Coopers put together at 11 feet and six inches.
Jones was selected to the Pro Bown in 2018. Then, in March 2020, Jones signed an $82 million deal with the Dolphins.
It was not long after this that Jones began to suffer injuries. Jones, in fact, had to miss all of last season as the result of an injury to his Achilles tendon. He has also had knee problems.
Jones, at the time of this writing, has not officially retired.