NFL Welcomes Players’ Union Review Into Philadelphia Eagles’ Handling of Jalen Hurts’ Medical Protocols
The National Football League welcomes an independent investigation into the Philadelphia Eagles’ handling of quarterback Jalen Hurts’ recent medical condition, following a formal request from the players’ union, league officials announced Wednesday.
Speaking at a news conference concluding the NFL’s annual fall meeting, Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s chief medical officer, has already reviewed the sequence of medical decisions and procedures taken by the team. Goodell emphasized that while the union possesses every right to request an inquiry, the league remains confident in the established protocols.
“Obviously, there was a medical evaluation, and I think our protocols were incredibly good there,” Goodell said during the press briefing. “The protocols were followed. Our process is to make sure that’s the case, and our chief medical officer has gone through that, so we’re comfortable that what we’ve seen in the protocols have happened.
League executive vice president Jeff Miller addressed specific elements of the timeline, noting that officials have developed a clear understanding of events. This included evaluating Hurts at a hospital the day before the team’s game abroad. Miller also disputed published reports suggesting the 28-year-old quarterback remained awake for more than 30 consecutive hours prior to taking the field against Jacksonville, clarifying that Hurts returned to his hotel and slept for approximately seven or eight hours.
The medical crisis unfolded around the Eagles’ October 11 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Throughout the situation, league officials remained in direct contact with team doctors, trainers, and specialists at the Cleveland Clinic in London where medical evaluations were coordinated.
Hurts is currently placed on injured reserve and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. According to statements released by the Eagles and agent Nicole Lynn, the quarterback was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis after a blood clot originating in his left calf traveled to his lungs, resulting in bilateral pulmonary embolisms. He was six games into his fifth season as the team’s starting quarterback, having previously earned Super Bowl MVP honors when Philadelphia captured the championship two years ago.
Dr. Sills offered a defense of the Eagles’ medical staff earlier in the week, explaining that decisions regarding whether a patient with a blood clot is cleared for air travel involve complex clinical variables. These factors include the patient’s immediate geographic location, medical history, and expert consensus. Sills emphasized that clearance decisions are never made in isolation by a single individual.
“What I can tell you is expert people getting a lot of opinions,” Sills said. “This isn’t just one doctor saying yay or nay. You’re going to poll a panel of experts both within the team and outside the team to get the best judgment and experience with a particular condition.”
Goodell also downplayed potential concerns regarding whether international travel played a direct causal role in the medical emergency, reiterating that the primary focus remains on the player’s recovery and long-term well-being.
“The most important thing here is Jalen’s health, ultimately, and the future of him,” Goodell said. “He’s a wonderful young man: not just a great player, but he’s someone we all care deeply about. I’m more worried about his health, ultimately, but the protocols were followed.”
