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

UNC Kicker Rece Verhoff Eligible After Latest Court Ruing
Kicker Rece Verhoff is once again eligible to kick for the Tar Heels after a Monroe County, Indiana, judge granted a preliminary injunction in his...
Wed Sep 23, 2026

What Does UNC Do at Quarterback?
Leadership is a significant part of quarterback play. And Bobby Petrino has talked about the importance of leadership at quarterback for decades. We know Billy...
Wed Sep 23, 2026

North Carolina's quarterback situation raises an uncomfortable question
Three games into Bill Belichick’s second season at North Carolina, the Tar Heels face an uncomfortable question at quarterback. Does Belichick have a quarterback development...
Tue Sep 22, 2026

Saints tackle Asim Richards was ready for the moment in win over Ravens
Former UNC offensive lineman Asim Richards didn't have extensive work with the Saints' starters in the offseason, but he said the totality of preparation put...
Tue Sep 22, 2026