Former Florida Gator Jonathan Odom will sit out 2024 season after 3rd major injury

Former Florida Gators tight end Jonathan Odom will miss the entire 2024 season due to another injury, he announced on Monday.

Odom transferred to Eastern Michigan after the 2023 season with one year of eligibility remaining. He did not disclose the specifics of this third major injury, which caused him to miss his first spring practice with the Eagles.

Odom explained that after suffering three major injuries—a knee injury, a concussion, and a recent setback—he and his family decided his long-term health should take the year off to heal. He plans to reconsider playing next season while staying in the transfer portal with one year of eligibility left. Odom expressed his continued passion for football and gratitude for the support he has received, stating that he trusts in God's plan and is fully relying on Him.

During his four years at Florida, Odom was mainly a reserve player and contributed on special teams. He became a reliable pass-catching option towards the end of the 2022 season with quarterback Anthony Richardson. Odom had seven receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns before tearing his ACL in the Gators’ Las Vegas Bowl loss to Oregon State.

He returned for the 2023 season and again proved to be a dependable target in short-yardage situations for quarterback Graham Mertz. Odom caught four passes for 46 yards in the season opener against Utah.

Mid-season, Odom suffered a season-ending concussion, leading him to transfer to Eastern Michigan after the season concluded, becoming the first postseason transfer announcement.

"To those who have followed my journey, you know I’ve had many highs and lows, but one thing is certain—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 said in his initial transfer announcement.

In Odom's absence last season, redshirt freshmen Hayden Hansen and Arlis Boardingham emerged as key players and are expected to take on larger roles this season. Additionally, veteran Keon Zipperer returns from injury after missing all of last year. The tight end room is rounded out by Tony Livingston, former defensive lineman Gavin Hill, true freshman Amir Jackson, and preferred walk-on Scott Isacks.