Back troubles derail Roger Heinz

Posted Apr 7, 2006

Disc degeneration, a common disorder of the lower spine, is a normal part of aging. It will affect most people and is generally not a problem by itself. Roger Heinz wishes his prognosis was as simple. There are days when Heinz, a junior at North Carolina, suffers from severe back and leg pain, has difficulty standing or walking and experiences weakness or numbness in his legs while sitting in class due to rapid disc degeneration. "I am 21 with the lower back of a 70-year-old," Heinz said. (Tallahassee Democrat)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

Melkart Abou Jaoude’s ‘chip on his shoulder’ mindset propels him from a walk-on to defensive leader
Mornings after Friday night football, current UNC defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude could be found working in a Newton, N.J. bagel shop called The Bagel...
Fri Aug 28, 2026

Video: The Game Plan Podcast - UNC vs. TCU Dublin Preview and Predictions
Greg Barnes, Jason Staples, and Tommy Ashley at Inside Carolina preview and predict UNC Football's season opener against TCU on Saturday and break down the...
Fri Aug 28, 2026

UNC punter Adam McCann-Gibbs’ homecoming comes as he still learns the sport
Plenty of new experiences are kicking in for most UNC Football players visiting Ireland, but it’s familiar territory for a freshman punter. Adam McCann-Gibbs is...
Fri Aug 28, 2026

UNC RB Demon June primed for breakout year after first-season success
Demon June was the Tar Heel offense’s north star last season. Amidst a disappointing 4-8 season, the running back racked up an impressive 464 rushing...
Thu Aug 27, 2026