JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Defensive lineman Lineman, Jacksonville Jaguars, steps away from football after being diagnosed with a serious heart condition that may require surgery.
The sixth-year player said doctors told him he was at risk of breaking or rupturing his aorta when he was playing football.
Gunter also said he is not yet eligible for surgery, and the best thing for him to do is wait.
“These last three weeks have been a hard pill to swallow,” Gunter said. “Seeing my dreams directly in front of me has been extremely difficult. After seeing several heart specialists I was told if I continued to play ball with my condition, I could rupture or rupture my aorta, which. can cause a sudden death or a severe stroke.
“There is a 50/50 chance that surgery will repair my current state of health. But at the moment I do not meet the criteria to undergo the operation. Those who qualify must have 5.5+ cm enlarged aorta, while mine measures 5.0 cm. At the moment I can not play or do the operation, so I have to wait. That at the moment is the best choice for me and my family to get away from this game.
“I appreciate the Jaguars for giving me a chance, 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 be the replacement for defensive end Calais Campbell, who traded the Jaguars to Baltimore in March. Gunter eventually went on the early downs and stepped inside to ride the passer on third downs.
Gunter is the fifth defensive line to leave the team injured in the past month. Nose tackled Al Woods, who signed the Jaguars in March to wall a run defense that gave up 139 yards a game last season, and defensive end / linebacker Lerentee McCray refused because of the coronavirus. Approaches Dontavius Russell (hip) and Brian Price (knee) were placed on injured reserve.
Plus, the Jaguars still have no defensive end Yannick Ngakoue in camp. He has yet to sign the franchise’s bid ($ 17.8 million) yet, although he recently fired his agent and has had some conversations with general manager Dave Caldwell.
In addition, K’Lavon Chaisson suffered from the first round of defensive work with a hamstring injury.
The Jaguars signed last week tackling Carl Davis, Josh Mauro and Caraun Reid. Defensive tackle Tim Jernigan visited the Jaguars earlier this week and went through a COVID-19 test before he could take a physical and join the club. Coach Doug Marrone said earlier this week “things are in the works.”
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