Waived by the Ravens this season and then landing on the Broncos’ NFI list, Cyrus Jones revealed (Instagram link) he underwent open-heart surgery.
The 26-year-old cornerback revealed this operation was recommended to correct an issue, an anomalous coronary artery, he’s dealt with throughout his life. Anomalous coronary arteries are arteries growing in the wrong place and, despite being present at birth, can go undiagnosed for years, according to the Texas Heart Institute. This condition can lead to sudden death.
Jones shared news of his surgery two days ago. He began this season as the Ravens’ punt returner, a role he played for Baltimore’s 2018 edition. The former Patriots second-round pick returned a punt for a touchdown last season.
The Broncos did not use Jones in a game. He was briefly on Denver’s 53-man roster before being placed on the NFI list. Jones is due for unrestricted free agency in 2020.
Ravens flock hoping for a speedy recovery.
The article is a bit vague on how long he knew he was a walking time bomb. The temptation to keep that information secret from an NFL team offering good money is understandably strong…still money isn’t of much use to you if your dead.
I imagine it had to be discovered recently. I doubt any doctor would tell their patient that they need open heart surgery and let them continue playing for any amount of time.
If a private doctor made the diagnosis he would be powerless to stop Jones from playing because there is the issue of doctor/patient confidentiality. The doctor could not contact the Patriots, Ravens or Broncos and say “You shouldn’t sign this guy because he has a dangerous heart condition”.
Probably about the time Bill Belichick drafted him.
Another of the Ravens Flock here hoping for a speedy recovery for Clamp Clampington. Get well soon!