The NFL has expressed openness to an inquiry regarding the Philadelphia Eagles’ management of Jalen Hurts’s blood clot condition following a request from the players’ union, stated commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday. During the NFL’s annual fall meeting news conference, Goodell mentioned that Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s chief medical officer, has reviewed the procedures followed and acknowledged the union’s right to seek a review.
Goodell emphasized the thoroughness of the medical evaluation and the adherence to protocols in Hurts’s case, reassuring that the league ensures proper procedures are followed. Dr. Sills defended the Eagles’ medical staff passionately, with league officials maintaining contact with team medical personnel and the Cleveland Clinic in London.
Jeff Miller, the league’s executive vice-president, refuted claims that Hurts remained awake for over 30 hours before a game, clarifying that the quarterback had adequate rest before playing. Hurts, who is currently on injured reserve and anticipated to miss the remainder of the season, developed deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, necessitating treatment with blood thinners and restricting his participation in football activities until treatment completion.
Goodell underscored Hurts’s health as the foremost priority in the situation, downplaying the impact of international travel on the player’s condition. The commissioner expressed concern for Hurts’s well-being and future, underscoring his personal regard for the player’s welfare.
Dr. Sills explained that decisions regarding allowing individuals with blood clots to fly are complex and involve multiple factors, including the specific circumstances and medical history of the patient. He highlighted the importance of consulting a diverse panel of medical experts to ensure informed decisions in such cases.
U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., penned a letter to Goodell seeking clarification on the handling of Hurts’s situation and requesting a briefing for her office and relevant committee members. Blunt Rochester, who tragically lost her husband due to blood clots, commended the NFL for potentially preventing a similar outcome and urged leveraging the league’s influence to enhance safety measures in sports and beyond.
Hurts, a seasoned quarterback in his fifth season with the Eagles, previously secured a Super Bowl MVP title during the team’s championship victory two years ago.