The NFL is open to investigating the Philadelphia Eagles’ management of Jalen Hurts’s blood clots following a request from the players’ union, announced Commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday. During the NFL’s annual fall meeting, Goodell stated that Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s chief medical officer, has reviewed the procedures followed, emphasizing the union’s right to seek a review.
Speaking at a news conference, Goodell affirmed the thorough medical evaluation conducted and praised the adherence to protocols. He assured that the league’s process ensures compliance, with the chief medical officer confirming protocol adherence.
Dr. Sills passionately defended the Eagles’ medical staff on Tuesday, with NFL officials remaining in communication with team doctors and trainers, as well as the Cleveland Clinic in London. Disputing reports, league executive vice-president Jeff Miller clarified that Hurts did not stay awake for over 30 hours before playing against Jacksonville on October 11, as the quarterback returned to the hotel and slept for approximately seven to eight hours.
Hurts, who is on injured reserve and expected to miss the remainder of the season, encountered a blood clot in his left calf that moved to his lungs. The Eagles and agent Nicole Lynn disclosed that Hurts is dealing with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, necessitating treatment with blood thinners and sidelining him from football activities until he discontinues their use.
Goodell underscored the priority of Hurts’s health, minimizing the impact of international travel on the situation. Expressing concern for Hurts’s well-being, Goodell emphasized the importance of following protocols to ensure the player’s health and future.
Dr. Sills noted that decisions regarding allowing individuals with blood clots to fly are complex and involve multiple factors, including the clot’s location and the patient’s medical history. He emphasized the importance of consulting a panel of experts to make informed decisions in such cases.
U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester addressed a letter to Goodell seeking clarification on the handling of the situation and requesting a briefing for her office and committee members. Referencing a personal tragedy, Blunt Rochester highlighted the importance of leveraging the NFL’s influence to prevent similar incidents in sports and beyond.
Hurts, in his fifth season as Philadelphia’s starting quarterback, was six games into the season when the blood clot issue arose. Notably, he was named Super Bowl MVP when the Eagles secured victory two years ago.
