David Lerner - University of Florida

Just days before football camp was set to start this season, Florida Gator punter David Lerner knew something wasn’t right. He was doubled over with sharp abdominal pain for nearly three days. Figuring it wasn’t just a bug or food poisoning, Lerner consulted with Florida’s team physician who recommended a CT scan. The result after several tests: David Lerner was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, the general name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. There are different forms of Crohn’s disease; several, including pediatric Crohn’s, can be very rare.

“I was shocked,” Lerner recalls. “I’ve never had a health problem. I don’t even wear glasses and have never broken a bone.”

While the exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, the condition is linked to a problem with the body’s immune system response. An overactive immune response leads to chronic inflammation.

Lerner was indeed caught off guard by the diagnosis, describing it as a shock wave. A healthy food regimen was prescribed; in addition, Lerner has added vitamins to his diet. And again, all these changes and a lifetime diagnosis came one week before he was to return to the gridiron as UF’s punter. This, his senior year, the last year he will wear orange and blue.

“Literally, I lost 14 pounds before camp was to start,” Lerner says.

The coaching staff was patient with David, knowing that he might not be full-strength. Still, he was motivated to get back on the playing field. Working hard is not new to David; he’s been a walk-on for the Florida Gators for three years. After camp this year, he was granted a scholarship.

Gator fans have embraced the Gainesville native for what he’s accomplished. He says he received so much support from people all over the country.

“I had numerous calls from people and Facebook messages,” Lerner says. “I was just on the phone the other night with a woman for 45 minutes.”

He says people’s stories differ with Crohn’s disease, but Lerner’s message to them remains the same--you can still fulfill your dreams despite being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Lerner uses the platform he’s already on with college football to deliver that message as often as he can. He enjoys talking to younger kids too, telling them they are not alone with the diagnosis – even the Florida punter has Crohn’s.

“I think I’ve really been able to reach young kids who look up to the Gators,” Lerner says. “They realize they can excel to a high level even with Crohn’s.”

As far as his health, Lerner watches what he eats, trying to avoid any flare-ups. He knows he will have to contend with Crohn’s from now on. So far, he’s feeling great knowing that when he takes care of himself, it allows him to focus on taking care of Gator opponents, by pinning them near the goal line.    

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