Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman BJ Thompson is 'headed in the absolute right direction' after a seemingly dire situation following a cardiac arrest and subsequent hospitalization.
- Jun 8, 2024
AceShowbiz - BJ Thompson of the Kansas City Chiefs is on the path to recovery after a serious medical incident at the team's practice facility on Thursday, June 6. His agent, Chris Turnage, provided an encouraging update the following morning, stating that Thompson is now "awake and responsive."
The situation initially seemed dire, with Thompson reported as stable but unconscious on Thursday night. However, NFL insider Tom Pelissero has since shared the promising news via a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), highlighting that Thompson's "prognosis is good."
Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance for the Chiefs, Rick Burkholder, confirmed Thompson's improving condition in a live press conference held Friday. "He's alert, he's awake. He's coming through quite well," Burkholder shared, emphasizing that Thompson is "headed in the absolute right direction."
The nature of the medical emergency remains officially unconfirmed by the Chiefs, but sources close to the incident identified it involved a seizure leading to cardiac arrest.
According to multiple reports, the 25-year-old defensive end suffered a seizure during a special teams meeting and subsequently went into cardiac arrest. Quick response from the Chiefs' medical staff ensured that Thompson received immediate care, and he was later transported to a nearby hospital.
The medical scare led to the cancellation of team activities and media availability originally scheduled for Thursday. However, the Chiefs plan to resume practice on Friday, with head coach Andy Reid and a few players expected to address reporters. The team is currently in Phase 3 of their voluntary offseason program, gearing up for mandatory minicamp starting on June 11.
Thompson, a fifth-round draft pick in 2023 from Stephen F. Austin State University, played in one game during his rookie season, registering two tackles. His commitment to the team was recently highlighted by his participation in the Chiefs' visit to the White House just a week before the medical incident.
As the Chiefs continue their preparation for the upcoming season, the focus remains on Thompson's recovery. His swift medical response and encouraging prognosis serve as a testament to the importance of rapid intervention and skilled healthcare support in professional sports settings.
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.
