National Football League

Louisiana NFL Draft prospect Michael Jefferson released from hospital

Updated Apr. 19, 2023 9:09 p.m. ET

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Louisiana wide receiver and NFL draft prospect Michael Jefferson was released from the hospital Wednesday, three days after being struck by a drunk driver on Sunday in Alabama, according to ESPN.

Jefferson is expected to miss the 2023 season, but doctors believe he should be able to play in 2024, the report said.

Jefferson's attorney Brad Sohn said in a statement: "A drunk driver tragically hit my client Michael Jefferson on Easter night. Michael would not have made it this far without being a fighter and remains in good spirits under the circumstances. He still has optimism that — even as he continues to undergo a grueling rehabilitation — he can have an outstanding NFL career. We believe that optimism is well-founded, and hope a team still will select this terrific young man and great football player."

Jefferson underwent multiple surgeries after he was involved in a car crash, in which, according to a release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Jefferson's Chevrolet Impala crashed head-on with a Dodge Charger on a highway in Mobile before a third vehicle hit the Charger. Charles Dunn, the 55-year-old man driving the Charger, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to local police. He reportedly wasn't wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The crash is being investigated by the ALEA's Highway Patrol Division.

Jefferson played for Louisiana the past two seasons after transferring from Alabama State, where he spent the first three years of his college career. Jefferson had 51 receptions for 810 yards and seven touchdowns over 12 games in 2022. He had 481 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns in the season prior.

Jefferson was projected to be a mid-to-late-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 27-29 in Kansas City. 

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