Finally, there was some encouraging news surrounding the Keyontae Johnson situation on Tuesday as this update was released from the Florida program:
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) December 15, 2020
This was incredible news that many people were waiting for. The most recent update prior to this was that he was out of the coma and able to respond to simple commands, which was encouraging in it’s own right, but hearing this update is a huge step forward.
Florida made the announcement in the middle of the afternoon on Tuesday and an outpouring of love erupted from around the sports community. More than any celebrity or professional athlete that expressed joy at the update, it was best to hear from his teammates that were able to FaceTime him and hear him talk for the first time in what must have felt like an eternity. Nearly the entire roster posted on Instagram and Twitter their joy at the update and the chance to talk to him, and there seems to have been a bit of a weight lifted given the news.
What made the update even more special is that it came from Keyontae’s parents Nika and Marrecus. In these situations you don’t often get to hear directly from the parents and it was a fantastic move by both Nike and Marrecus as well as the university to allow the update to come directly from them. Hearing the emotion of the parents coming through made the update even that much more special, and we can all be glad it was a positive one they were able to give.
In addition to the update from Nika and Marrecus on Tuesday the Gators also sent a message on Monday night that you can read here.
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) December 15, 2020
In this message it gives an address, should you wish to send a card to Keyontae and his family during this time.
For all who have prayed, sent good vibes, and had their thoughts with Johnson and his family during this time we all thank you. As well, as the message from Nika and Marrecus says, it’s important to listen only to official information that comes from Florida and to not speculate from anything that comes from unverified sources.
We continue to pray and hope positively for Keyontae and his family.