NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Welcomes Union Investigation Into Philadelphia Eagles’ Medical Handling of Jalen Hurts

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday that he welcomes an inquiry called for by the players’ union into how the Philadelphia Eagles’ medical staff handled quarterback Jalen Hurts’ diagnosis of a blood clot. The NFL Players’ Association formally demanded a full investigation earlier in the week amid mounting questions and public outrage regarding the timeline of Hurts’ diagnosis, travel, and subsequent medical complications. Speaking at a Wednesday press conference, Goodell addressed the union’s demands directly. “We welcome that,” Goodell said. “That’s fine. Our chief medical officers have been through the protocols that were followed. So we welcome that. That’s what they did; they have that right.” The medical timeline began on October 10, when Hurts was diagnosed with a superficial blood clot on his calf. Despite the diagnosis, he played against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London the following day on October 11. In the days following the game, medical evaluations revealed that the blood clot had migrated from the superficial veins of his calf into both the deep veins of his leg and his lungs, resulting in a deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. Consequently, the Eagles placed Hurts on injured reserve as he began a treatment regimen involving blood thinners. Public scrutiny and union concerns intensified following subsequent reports. A report indicated that doctors had advised Hurts not to sleep the night before the game against the Jaguars due to health concerns. Outrage escalated further upon the revelation of the deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli diagnoses, particularly because the team permitted Hurts to board a flight back from London immediately after the game. Medical guidelines generally contraindicate prolonged travel for deep vein thrombosis cases. The league’s initial stance drew sharp contrast from internal developments. On Tuesday, NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller issued a sharp denunciation of what he described as unfounded criticism directed at the Eagles’ team doctors. Hours after Miller’s defense, the NFLPA released a public statement demanding accountability and a formal review. “The NFLPA is not aware of any NFL investigations into the medical care provided to Jalen Hurts,” the union stated. “In fact, the league previously informed the union that it did not plan to review the care he received. Before conclusions are drawn about how this situation was handled, there must be a full investigation into what occurred. Determining the facts is essential to ensuring players receive the highest level of care and protection going forward.” While Goodell expressed openness to the union’s requested investigation, he simultaneously defended both the league’s systemic procedures and the actions of the Philadelphia medical personnel. Asserting that player health remains the primary priority, Goodell maintained confidence in the established medical procedures. “I think our protocols were incredibly good there,” Goodell said. “The most important thing here is Jalen’s health, ultimately. I’m more worried about his health ultimately, but the protocols were followed.”