Florida Gators basketball star Keyontae Johnson addressed the audience on Friday for the first time since she collapsed during a game last Saturday. In a brief video statement, Johnson thanked his followers and doctors for the support he received while in hospital.
“First of all, I would like to thank God. I know you have all sent in your prayers over the past few weeks and I and my parents are very grateful for the prayers that have been made,” Johnson said.
“To all the doctors and medical staff at Tallahassee Memorial and UF Shands, I want to say thank you for all the support you have given me, especially to the lady who was at the Florida state gym,” he added. “To my Gator nation and the UF athletic family, I just want to thank you for all the prayers you made to me. Go Gators.”
Johnson, the Southeastern Conference preseason player of the year, collapsed last Saturday during a game against the Florida State Seminoles. The 21-year-old received brief medical attention next to the court before being transferred to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
The Gators said shortly after that Johnson was in a stable but critical condition. On Tuesday, said his parents he was breathing on his own and had been talking to doctors and teammates.
Two days later, he tweeted from the team which showed “really encouraging signs of progress.”
It is still unclear what caused Johnson’s collapse. This summer has tested positive for COVID-19, which can cause a heart muscle infection known as myocarditis. But the rules of the conference require players to undergo heart tests and physical exams before they can return to the court.
Zoe Christen Jones contributed the information.