Jonathan Odom, a former tight end for the Florida Gators, said on Monday that he will miss the entire 2024 season because of another injury.After the 2023 season, Odom moved to Eastern Michigan, using his final year of eligibility. This third serious injury, which kept him out of his first Eagles spring practice, was not disclosed by him.
Odom clarified that he and his family decided that he should take the year off to rehabilitate for his long-term health after he sustained three serious injuries: a concussion, a knee injury, and a recent setback. With one year of eligibility remaining, he intends to stay in the transfer portal and maybe give playing another go next season. Odom acknowledged his unwavering love for football and his appreciation for the help he has gotten, adding that he completely depends on God and believes in His plan.
Odom was primarily a bench player and made contributions to special teams during his four years at Florida. By the end of the 2022 season, he established himself as a dependable option for collecting passes alongside quarterback Anthony Richardson. Odom tore his ACL during the Gators’ Las Vegas Bowl loss to Oregon State, despite having seven receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns.
Upon his return for the 2023 campaign, he once more demonstrated his reliability as a target for quarterback Graham Mertz in short-yardage scenarios. Against Utah in the first game of the season, Odom caught four catches for 46 yards.
Odom became the first player to announce a transfer to Eastern Michigan following the season after suffering a season-ending concussion in mid-season.
“I gave this university and team everything I had every time I stepped on the field, and I will forever be grateful for what it has done for me,” he stated in his initial transfer announcement. “To those who have followed my journey, you know I’ve had many highs and lows,” he said.
Redshirt freshmen Hayden Hansen and Arlis Boardingham became important players in Odom’s absence the previous season, and they should play bigger roles this time around. In addition, Keon Zipperer, a seasoned player who missed the entire previous season due to injuries, is back. Tony Livingston, former defensive lineman Gavin Hill, true freshman Amir Jackson, and preferred walk-on Scott Isacks complete the tight end room.
