BJ Thompson, defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, is now awake and responsive after experiencing a seizure and going into cardiac arrest during a special teams meeting, as reported by NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero on Friday, according to Thompson’s agent.
Rick Burkholder, Chiefs’ vice president of sports medicine and performance, informed the media on Friday that Thompson, who was heavily sedated and placed on a ventilator at a local hospital following the incident, has now regained consciousness and is no longer on the ventilator.
“He’s awake and alert, heading in the right direction,” Burkholder stated, providing an update on Thompson’s condition.
Burkholder detailed the alarming event that unfolded on Thursday, mentioning that kicker Harrison Butker promptly alerted medical personnel when Thompson began seizing.
He also mentioned that CPR was administered to Thompson, and a defibrillator was used once he went into cardiac arrest.
“Our entire team, including security, coaches, and staff, responded admirably in managing this crisis,” Burkholder commended.
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Burkholder highlighted the league’s requirement for teams to practice emergency action plans regularly, noting that the Chiefs had recently conducted an exercise just days before.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed gratitude that the incident occurred in a place with immediate support and expertise. “It’s a tough situation, but fortunately, our team was well-prepared to handle it,” Reid remarked.
In response to the incident, the Chiefs canceled all team activities scheduled for Thursday.
Thompson, drafted in the fifth round in 2023, played in one game during his rookie season.
The Super Bowl champions are currently in Phase 3 of their voluntary offseason program, with mandatory minicamp set to commence on Tuesday.
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