Chiefs’ BJ Thompson remains ‘unconscious’ but stable after going into cardiac arrest during team meeting

Chiefs’ BJ Thompson remains ‘unconscious’ but stable after going into cardiac arrest during team meeting

  • Post category:Sports

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end B.J. Thompson remains “unconscious” but “stable” just after the second-year player suffered a seizure and went into cardiac arrest during a team meeting on Thursday, according to his agent. 

Thompson’s agent, Chris Turnage, provided an update to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero after visiting him at the hospital. 

BJ Thompson rushes the edge

B.J. Thompson, #53 of the Kansas City Chiefs, rushes the edge during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on January 7, 2024, in Inglewood, California.  (Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

“BJ is still unconscious at this point, but he’s stable, and vitals are good,” Turnage said late Thursday night. “His family asks for your continued prayers.”

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The medical emergency happened on what was supposed to be the Chiefs’ final practice of OTAs.

Thompson, 25, reportedly went into cardiac arrest after suffering a seizure during a special teams meeting at the Chiefs’ practice facility. He was quickly attended to by trainers and medical staff before being transported to an area hospital by ambulance. 

Players were reportedly sent home on Thursday. A team’s spokesperson told The Associated Press that the final OTA session was rescheduled for Friday. Head coach Andy Reid is expected to address the situation during Friday’s media availability. 

BJ Thompson walks off the field

B.J. Thompson, #53 of the Kansas City Chiefs, walks off the field during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 19, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona.  (Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

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During a Kansas City charity softball game later that day, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo briefly spoke about Thompson’s condition. 

“Let me say this before I say anything. I’m thinking about BJ right now,” Spagnuolo said, via FOX 4 Kansas City. “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.”

Spagnuolo said he hadn’t been in the room, but he commended the work of the trainers on site. 

Kansas City Chiefs' B.J. Thompson chases Easton Stick, #2 of the Los Angeles Chargers, in the fourth quarter during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium on January 7, 2024, in Inglewood, California. 

Kansas City Chiefs’ B.J. Thompson chases Easton Stick, #2 of the Los Angeles Chargers, in the fourth quarter during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium on January 7, 2024, in Inglewood, California.  (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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Thompson was drafted by the Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2023 draft. He appeared in one game of his rookie season against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18, where he registered two tackles. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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by FOXNews