Receiver Donald Jones to retire with kidney disease
Donald Jones played three seasons with the Bills after signing as an undrafted free agent. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Former Bills and Patriots wide receiver Donald Jones began the offseason looking for a job, but the three-year NFL veteran announced via Twitter on Wednesday that he will instead retire due to a kidney disease.
Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports reports Jones suffers from a kidney condition known as IgA nephropathy. According to Garafolo, Jones had a recent scare when he displayed abnormally high blood pressure during a physical while visiting the Colts. Doctors back in January told Jones he might one day require a kidney transplant.
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Jones said he has endured the disease his entire life.
From Jones' Twitter account:
“As some of you may know, I have been suffering from a kidney disease throughout my entire life,” Jones wrote. “As a result of recent advances in my disease, I am no longer able to pursue my career in the National Football League. Playing in the NFL was a lifelong dream of mine, and though I have the opportunity to continue my career, stepping away from the game is absolute best decision for my family and for my health.”
