Front-running potential NFL draft pick Michael Jefferson has undergone numerous surgeries after being severely injured in a car crash that killed the other vehicle’s driver, according to numerous reports Tuesday.
The 23-year-old athlete, considered one of the best receivers in 2023′s class, was involved in a multi-car collision on US 43 in Mobile, Ala., at 7:55 p.m. Friday.
A 55-year-old man at the wheel of a 2014 Dodge Charger smashed head-on into Jefferson’s 2019 Chevrolet Impala and was then hit by a 2008 Nissan Maxima, Alabama authorities told TMZ.
The Dodge driver was reportedly not wearing a seat belt and died at the scene.
Jefferson “required multiple surgeries,” agent Jon Perzley told Adam Schefter of ESPN on Tuesday, without sharing specifics on his injuries.
Alabama troopers are still investigating the incident, according to TMZ.
The 6-foot-4-inch, 199-pound Jefferson is a fifth-year senior who is expected to be picked up in this month’s NFL draft. His launched his college football career at Alabama State University and went on to star at the University of Louisiana, leading the Ragin’ Cajuns with 51 catches, for a season total of 810 yards that included seven touchdowns. His full college career boasted 29 total touchdowns.
News of Jefferson’s crash comes six weeks after top NFL draft pick Jalen Carter was charged in connection with a car crash that killed one of his teammates and a team support staffer. Carter pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless driving and racing charges. He was sentenced to a year of probation, a $1,000 fine, a defensive driving course and 80 hours of community service.