Kansas City Chiefs' backup defensive lineman remains unconscious but is stable following a medical emergency that occurred during a team meeting and prompted hospitalization.
- Jun 8, 2024
AceShowbiz - On June 6, BJ Thompson, the 25-year-old defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, suffered a seizure and went into cardiac arrest during a special teams meeting at the Chiefs' practice facility. According to multiple reports, including NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the medical staff responded immediately, providing the necessary treatment before Thompson was transported to a local hospital.
Thompson's agent, Chris Turnage, has provided updates to the media, maintaining that Thompson remains unconscious but stable. "BJ is still unconscious at this point, but he's stable and vitals are good," Turnage told NFL Media. "His family asks for your continued prayers."
The Chiefs had been in the midst of their OTA offseason practices when the incident occurred. Consequently, the team's activities, including practice and media availability, were canceled for Thursday and rescheduled for Friday. Head coach Andy Reid, who was set to speak with reporters on Thursday, is expected to address the situation and provide further updates during Friday's media session.
The incident has certainly shaken the team. During a Kansas City charity softball game on Thursday, Chiefs' defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke briefly about the frightening occurrence, "It was scary. I think the guys were a little bit scared, I know I was. But a lot of praying and [head athletic trainer] Rick [Burkholder] and his staff did a terrific job."
Thompson was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Stephen F. Austin. Although he has appeared in only one game for the Chiefs, making an impact with two tackles against the Los Angeles Chargers, he has already become a valued member of the team. His engagement in activities, such as the Chiefs' recent visit to the White House on May 31, underscores his involvement with the team and the community.
Amidst Thompson's medical emergency, other off-field issues have caught the spotlight. Chiefs' defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs currently faces accusations of second-degree animal cruelty after allegedly abandoning two malnourished dogs at a rental home in Alabama. In another case, wide receiver Rashee Rice turned himself in to police in Texas after an arrest warrant was issued for his involvement in a multi-car collision in Dallas.
The controversies don't end there. Chiefs' kicker Harrison Butker recently faced backlash for a controversial commencement speech he delivered at Benedictine College, a Catholic institution, on May 11. Butker's remarks touched upon women's roles, abortion, in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, LGBTQ+, and even President Joe Biden, igniting widespread criticism.
