Goodell Welcomes Investigation Into Jalen Hurts’ Medical Care

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday that the league welcomes an investigation into the medical care Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts received after the NFL Players Association raised concerns about how his blood clot diagnosis was handled.

Speaking at the conclusion of the NFL’s annual fall owners’ meeting, Goodell defended the league’s medical protocols and said chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills had reviewed the procedures followed in Hurts’ case.

“We welcome that. That’s part of our process.” Goodell told reporters regarding the union’s call for an investigation. He added that the NFLPA had the right to seek a review.

Goodell maintained that the appropriate protocols had been followed but emphasized that Hurts’ health remained the priority.

“The most important thing here is Jalen’s health, ultimately, and the future of him,” Goodell said. “I’m more worried about his health, ultimately, but the protocols were followed.”

The NFLPA called for a full investigation Tuesday, saying it had not received any information about a league investigation into the medical care Hurts received. The union said officials needed to conduct a thorough review before reaching conclusions about how the situation unfolded.

Questions Surround Hurts’ Initial Diagnosis

The controversy stems from Hurts’ initial diagnosis of a superficial blood clot in his left calf while the Eagles were in London for their Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 11.

According to the team, an ultrasound on Oct. 10 identified the clot. The Eagles said their medical staff and London-based doctors reviewed the results and concluded that Hurts could safely play, with activity and mobility considered important to his care.

Hurts started against Jacksonville despite the diagnosis. After the game, he returned to the United States with the team.

Further testing later revealed that Hurts had deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning blood clots had traveled to his lungs. The Eagles and his agent, Nicole Lynn, announced the updated diagnosis Monday.

Hurts is receiving treatment with blood thinners, and the Eagles have moved him to injured reserve. Reports indicate he will likely miss the remainder of the season.

The diagnosis has prompted questions about the decision to allow Hurts to play in London and travel internationally after doctors identified the initial clot.

NFL Defends Eagles’ Medical Staff

Sills defended the Eagles’ medical personnel Tuesday, saying league officials had communicated with team doctors, athletic trainers and specialists at Cleveland Clinic in London.

He rejected suggestions that outside pressures would lead physicians to put a player’s health at risk.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni also defended the organization’s medical staff, saying the health of the players remained a priority and expressing full confidence in the doctors who evaluated Hurts.

Goodell echoed that support Wednesday, praising the league’s medical advisers while saying the investigation request could proceed.

The NFLPA, however, argued that a review was necessary to establish the facts and help ensure players receive appropriate medical care and protection.

Senator Seeks Answers From the NFL

The situation has also drawn attention from U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, who sent Goodell a letter seeking answers about Hurts’ diagnosis and the league’s procedures for managing blood clots.

Blunt Rochester asked what standards govern a player’s clearance to participate when doctors suspect or diagnose a blood clot. She also requested clarification on whether the NFL would conduct a comprehensive review of the Eagles’ handling of the situation.

The senator highlighted the risks athletes may face from factors such as long-distance travel, dehydration and physical trauma. Her concerns are also personal, as her late husband died after blood clots traveled to his heart and lungs following an Achilles injury.

The NFL has defended the protocols followed in Hurts’ case, while the players’ union and lawmakers continue to seek greater clarity. Any investigation will need to address the decisions surrounding his initial diagnosis, clearance to play and subsequent medical evaluations.