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

Why Billy Edwards Was Named UNC's Starting Quarterback
UNC Football's nearly five-month-long quarterback competition concluded Tuesday when the Tar Heels informed Billy Edwards Jr. that he won the starting job. The competition, primarily...
Sun Aug 23, 2026

UNC DB Tre Miller on Adding Weight, Returning Experience, and More
Cornerback Tre Miller returns for his fourth season with UNC Football, working alongside other experienced defensive backs. As a redshirt junior, Miller has been involved...
Sun Aug 23, 2026

Extra Points: Going Green
Bill Belichick has coached football games in five international settings over his illustrious career: London, Mexico City, and Germany. Belichick has also visited Dublin, Ireland...
Sun Aug 23, 2026

After Arriving at UNC at 17, Running Back Jaylen McGill Sees the Game Differently
Jaylen McGill's first season at UNC came a year earlier than it would have for most players. McGill arrived in Chapel Hill at 17 years...
Sun Aug 23, 2026