Florida Gators basketball star Keyontae Johnson spoke for the first time on Friday since he collapsed during a game last Saturday. In a short video statement, Johnson thanked his fans and his doctors for the support he received during his hospitalization.
“First and foremost I would like to thank God. I know you have all been sending your prayers over the past few weeks, and I and my parents are very grateful for the prayers that have gone out,” Johnson said.
“To all the doctors and medical staff at Tallahassee Memorial and UF Shands, I want to thank you for all the support you have given me, especially the lady who was in the Florida State gym,” he added. “To my Gator nation and the UF track and field family, I want to thank you for all the prayers you have all said to me. Go Gators. ‘
Johnson, the preseason player of the year for the Southeastern Conference, collapsed last Saturday during a game against the Florida State Seminoles. The 21-year-old received brief medical attention on the side of the court before being transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
The Gators said shortly afterward that Johnson was in a stable but critical condition. On Tuesday, his parents said he was breathing on his own and had spoken to doctors and his teammates.
Two days later, the team tweeted that he showed “really encouraging signs of progress.”
It is not yet clear what caused Johnson to collapse. This summer, he tested positive for COVID-19, which can cause an infection of the heart muscle known as myocarditis. But conference rules require players to undergo heart tests and physical exams before returning to court.
Zoe Christen Jones has reported.