Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones says he cannot run or jump because of injuries sustained during his seven-year NFL career.
The 30-year-old Jones sent a warning to future players coming into the league on social media.
“Much has changed in 8 years. Today I can’t run or jump because of my injuries sustained playing this game,’ Jones wrote. ‘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.”
Jones was a first-round pick in the 2015 draft by the Dallas Cowboys and blew away spectators at the scouting combine when he broad-jumped 12’3′ and had a 44.5-inch vertical leap.
Jones had surgery to repair Achilles and ankle injuries and spent the 2022 season on the physically unable to perform list.
In another social media post, Jones seemed to indicate he may have played his last down.
‘It was an honor and privilege to play in the NFL but it came at a regrettable cost I did not foresee,’ Jones wrote. ‘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.’
After spending his first five seasons in Dallas, Jones signed with Miami on a five-year, $82.5 million deal with $54 million guaranteed in 2020.
He is on the books for $13.5 million for 2023, though none of that money is guaranteed.