JACKSONVILLE, Fla – Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Rodney Gunter is stepping away from football after being diagnosed with serious heart disease that may require surgery.
The sixth-year player said medics told him he was at risk of rupturing or tearing the aorta if he continued to play football.
Gunter also said he was not yet eligible for the surgery and that the best thing for him to do was wait.
“The past three weeks have been a tough pill to swallow,” Gunter said. “Watching my dreams vanish right in front of me was extremely difficult. After seeing several cardiologists, I was told that if I continue to play ball with my condition, I could eventually rupture or tear my aorta which is enlarged. It can cause sudden death. or a severe stroke.
“There is a 50/50 chance that the surgery will correct my current state of health. But at the moment, I do not meet the criteria to have the operation. Those who qualify must have an enlarged aorta 5.5cm and larger, while mine is 5.0cm. At the moment I can’t play or have surgery, so I have to wait. So right now the best bet for me and my family is to get away from this game.
“I appreciate the Jaguars for giving me an opportunity and I’m grateful to everyone who believed in me along the way. Thank you!”
The Jaguars signed Gunter to a three-year, $ 18 million contract with $ 11.15 million guaranteed in March. He would replace defensive end Calais Campbell, who the Jaguars traded to Baltimore in March. Gunter was going to line up at the end on the first runs and move inside to rush the passer on the third downs.
Gunter is the fifth defensive lineman to leave the squad or to be injured in the last month. Nose tackle Al Woods, who the Jaguars signed in March to bolster a running defense that gave up 139 yards per game last season, and defensive end / linebacker Lerentee McCray has retired due to the coronavirus. Tackles Dontavius Russell (hip) and Brian Price (knee) were placed on the injured reserve.
In addition, the Jaguars still do not have defensive end Yannick Ngakoue in camp. He has yet to sign the tender for the franchise labels ($ 17.8 million), although he recently laid off his agent and had a few conversations with general manager Dave Caldwell.
In addition, defensive end of first-round pick K’Lavon Chaisson suffered a hamstring injury.
The Jaguars signed tackles Carl Davis, Josh Mauro and Caraun Reid last week. Defensive tackle Tim Jernigan visited the Jaguars earlier this week and was undergoing COVID-19 testing before he could take a physical exam and join the club. Coach Doug Marrone said earlier this week that “things are on the way”.
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