Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman BJ Thompson suffered a medical emergency during a team meeting on Thursday, leading to a frightening collapse.
Thompson, who is just 25 years old, experienced a seizure that resulted in cardiac arrest. The team’s medical staff responded immediately, performing CPR and using a defibrillator to restart his heart. According to Rick Burkholder, the team’s vice president of sports medicine, Thompson was in cardiac arrest for less than a minute and is now awake, alert, and “heading in the absolute right direction”.
The incident occurred during the Chiefs’ voluntary offseason program, which quickly turned into a life-or-death situation. Harrison Butker, the team’s kicker, was one of the first to respond, running to alert staff while others began CPR. Thompson’s heart was restarted with a single shock from a defibrillator. Thankfully, the prompt action by the medical team helped stabilize him, and Thompson is now receiving the necessary medical care.
Thompson, who joined the Chiefs as a fifth-round pick in 2023, had been participating in the team’s activities and training before the sudden collapse. The Chiefs canceled all team activities for the remainder of the day as players and staff coped with the shocking incident. Teammate George Karlaftis expressed his concern, stating, “I’m just glad to see that he’s doing good. When you have a guy go down like that, you never want that. For anyone”.
The Chiefs have emphasized that Thompson’s condition is currently stable, though the exact cause of the cardiac event is still under investigation. Head coach Andy Reid praised the preparedness of the medical staff, who had recently conducted emergency drills, which contributed to their swift and effective response to the situation.
This incident is reminiscent of the similar emergency involving Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin last year, who also went into cardiac arrest on the field and required life-saving measures. The quick and decisive actions of medical personnel in both instances highlight the importance of emergency preparedness in high-stakes environments like professional sports.
Thompson’s teammates, coaches, and fans are hopeful for his speedy recovery, as he continues to receive care and monitoring. The event has served as a stark reminder of the physical risks involved in professional football, and the resilience of players like Thompson.