Louisiana-Lafayette wide receiver prospect Michael Jefferson may have to miss the 2023 season after a fatal multi-car crash in Alabama earlier this month.
Jefferson had a team-high 810 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 51 catches with the Ragin’ Cajuns last season and NFL analysts projected him to be selected in mid-to-late in the first round of the 2023 Draft, albeit the unfortunate accident raised uncertainty over his draft prospects.
The promising Louisiana star was seriously injured in a car accident on April 9, leading him to go through multiple surgeries, and was released from the hospital on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound was driving on U.S. Route 43 in Mobile County, Ala. when 55-year-old drunk driver Michael Dunn ran his Dodge Charger into Jefferson per documents gathered by TMZ. A Nissan Maxima also crashed into Jefferson’s car moments later, leading the alleged drug-addicted driver Dunn to die at the scene.
Will Michael Jefferson miss the upcoming season following the fatal car accident?
Jefferson’s attorney Brad Sohn released a statement on Wednesday updating the wide receiver’s status praising his fighting spirit to recover from the injury and expecting the young star to begin his NFL career in 2024 after missing the upcoming season in 2023.
“A drunk driver tragically hit my client, Michael Jefferson, on Easter night. Michael would not have made it this far without being a fighter and remains in good spirits under the circumstances. He still has optimism that — even as he continues to undergo a grueling rehabilitation — he can have an outstanding NFL career”, he wrote.
Louisiana-Lafayette WR draft prospect Michael Jefferson, who was hit by a drunken driver on Easter night, was released from the hospital today. He is expected to miss this season, but doctors believe he should be able to play in 2024.
A statement from his attorney, Brad Sohn. pic.twitter.com/fWyMD2XoBN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 19, 2023
“We believe that optimism is well-founded and hope a team still will select this terrific young man and great football player. Finally, we’d also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that, in today’s age of Uber and Lyft, there is absolutely no reason to drive impaired”, Sohn added.
The 23-year-old player showcased a 4.56-second 40-yard dash time with a 1.52-second 10-yard split when he was invited to the Scouting Combine in February and stunned everyone with a 37-inch vertical jump and 11-foot-1-inch broad jump.
We at Sportszion would like to extend our sympathies to Jefferson and his family in this difficult time, and we wish him a speedy and full recovery.
