NFL Welcomes Review of Philadelphia Eagles Handling Jalen Hurts Blood Clots, Says Roger Goodell

POLICY WIRE — New York, United States — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated Wednesday that the league welcomes an investigation into the Philadelphia Eagles following the players’ union request for a review into how the team handled quarterback Jalen Hurts’ medical situation.

Speaking at the conclusion of the NFL’s annual fall meeting in New York, Goodell noted that Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s chief medical officer, has already examined the steps taken by the team and defended the established protocols.

Obviously, there was a medical evaluation, and I think our protocols were incredibly good there, Goodell remarked during his news conference, emphasizing that officials are confident proper procedures were followed.

Hurts has been placed on injured reserve and is expected to miss the remainder of the season after a blood clot originating in his left calf traveled to his lungs. The Eagles and agent Nicole Lynn confirmed that the 28-year-old player is suffering from deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, requiring treatment with blood thinners that sideline him from all football activities.

League executive vice president Jeff Miller addressed timeline concerns by disputing reports that Hurts was awake for more than 30 hours prior to the Oct. 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Miller clarified that Hurts returned to the hotel and rested for roughly seven or eight hours after being evaluated at a hospital the day before the matchup.

Dr. Sills previously offered a strong defense of the Eagles medical staff, explaining that decisions regarding air travel for patients with blood clots involve extensive consultation. Expert medical opinions are gathered from both internal team personnel and external specialists to determine the safest course of action based on variables like location and patient history.

Adding political scrutiny to the medical event, U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester sent a letter to Goodell requesting a briefing for her office and members of the committee on health, education, labor and pensions. Blunt Rochester shared a personal connection to the issue, noting that her husband passed away at age 52 following a torn Achilles tendon and subsequent blood clots that traveled to his heart and lungs.

I am deeply relieved that Mr. Hurts’ story did not end the way my husband’s did, she wrote in the dated Wednesday letter, highlighting the potential for the NFL to use its substantial reach for life-saving prevention both inside and outside of sports.

Hurts was six games into his fifth season as the starting quarterback for Philadelphia, having previously earned Super Bowl MVP honors when the Eagles claimed the championship two years ago.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)