Stafon Johnson is in critical but stable condition after a more than seven-hour surgery that ended late Monday night, according to a press release from California Hospital in downtown L.A., where the operation occurred.
The lengthy specialized surgery was required because of a threatened airway and "severe" injuries to Johnson's larynx, or voice box. The hospital says that his prognosis is "good."
Dr. Gudata Hinika, the trauma medical director at California Hospital, said in the release that it is unlikely Johnson will be able to return to the football field this season, but doctors are expecting a full recovery.
Johnson, a senior tailback from Compton, suffered the throat injury while lifting weights Monday morning at USC's Heritage Hall. He was rushed to California Hospital and almost immediately underwent the emergency surgery.
We'll have more information in the coming days as it becomes available, but in the meantime, we ask that you keep Johnson in your thoughts and prayers.
The lengthy specialized surgery was required because of a threatened airway and "severe" injuries to Johnson's larynx, or voice box. The hospital says that his prognosis is "good."
Dr. Gudata Hinika, the trauma medical director at California Hospital, said in the release that it is unlikely Johnson will be able to return to the football field this season, but doctors are expecting a full recovery.
Johnson, a senior tailback from Compton, suffered the throat injury while lifting weights Monday morning at USC's Heritage Hall. He was rushed to California Hospital and almost immediately underwent the emergency surgery.
We'll have more information in the coming days as it becomes available, but in the meantime, we ask that you keep Johnson in your thoughts and prayers.
May God Bless this young man during this tough time.
Stafon thoughts and prayers are with you - remember the Trojan motto always keep fighting!!! God be with Stafon and keep your hands on him and protect him. Fight on!!!!!
Atta boy Stafon keep fighting on! You got this man!
from all of us Sun Devil fans in Tempe, AZ.....we want to wish a full and speedy recovery to Stafon. our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Keep Fighting Stafon, with God's help you will overcome.
We're pulling for you in D.C., Stafon!
After your freshman season, you could have transferred. You could have quit. YOU NEVER DID. You kept fighting and competing and look at how much you accomplished. Now as you lay, recovering, you keep fighting on! The Trojan family is behind you, Stafon!
Stafon: Prayers for your full recovery and FIGHT ON to a true Trojan.
this is horrible.
I feel I can speak for the Buckeye Nation when we wish him the best and are praying for his recovery.
God Bless
FIGHT ON, bro!
Get well wishes for a full and speedy recovery from this UF Gator in Tennessee.
Trojan fans from all over are wishing you a speedy recovery Stafon!! Get well soon! Fight On!!
It's not how many times you get knocked down that count, it's how many times you get up. Stafon, I expect you to be well soon. My prayers are with you and your familia. FIGHT ON!!
39th street tailgate crew wish you a speedy recovery. We have followed you since you were a freshman and have alwasy lived the tradition of Fight On!