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

Newsletter: UNC Basketball Recruiting Updates, NBA Summer League, ACC Kickoff, MLB Draft
Caleb Wilson set a Summer League scoring record, Bill Belichick left ACC Kickoff sounding like a coach who's found his footing, and six Tar Heels...
Mon Jul 20, 2026

Faith helped Christo Kelly through tough season; he says stability should make offensive line better
North Carolina offensive lineman Christo Kelly said his faith played a significant role in helping him process the frustration of missing most of last season,...
Sun Jul 19, 2026

Why UNC Football Feels Nothing Like It Did a Year Ago
This offseason, with the spring transfer portal eliminated, Belichick and UNC's coaches led the Tar Heels through April knowing their roster would be the same...
Sun Jul 19, 2026

5 Takeaways from UNC Football at ACC Kickoff
When asked about offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, both Bill Belichick and offensive lineman Christo Kelly spoke highly of what he's brought to the offense. Both...
Sun Jul 19, 2026