The Chiefs canceled Thursday’s practice after a concerning incident involving BJ Thompson.
The 25-year-old defensive lineman is in a stable condition in hospital after experiencing a medical emergency.
The Kansas City Chiefs experienced a frightening moment on Thursday as defensive lineman BJ Thompson suffered a seizure during a special teams meeting, resulting in cardiac arrest.
According to reports, Thompson is now in a stable condition at the hospital, and the Chiefs organization has canceled all team activities for the day.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of quick medical response, as the team’s staff swiftly jumped into action and called for an ambulance.
Thompson, a fifth-round draft pick in 2023 from Stephen F. Austin University in Texas, has seen limited action with the Chiefs so far, playing in just one game against the Chargers last season.
BJ Thompson experienced a seizure and cardiac arrest during a team meeting
The 25-year-old Thompson has represented the Chiefs in one game since being drafted in 2023
Thompson joined his teammates at the White House last week to celebrate their Super Bowl win
Just last week, Thompson was part of the Chiefs’ visit to the White House, where they celebrated their Super Bowl title with President Biden. He shared photos from the memorable trip on his Instagram account, jokingly captioning one of them, “got me feeling like the president.”
Reflecting on his journey to the NFL, Thompson shared in an interview last May, “I just want to put on for my town and show them that anything is possible, no matter where you come from. Hopefully, I am accomplishing that.”
He added, “Me and my friends, we all had dreams and goals of playing in the NFL or NBA, but along the way, dreams kind of die off and people get other plans. For me, the dream never really died. I always had it in the back of my mind that I was going to play professional sports, and I was fortunate enough to make it happen.”
The Chiefs organization has been contacted for comment, and media availability with coach Andy Reid has been canceled. The team is expected to resume practice on Friday.
This incident brings to mind the case of Damar Hamlin, who experienced a cardiac arrest during a game between his Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals last season. Hamlin made a remarkable recovery and returned to play in eight games for the Bills.
As the Chiefs navigate this challenging situation, they are also preparing for the upcoming NFL season, where they will aim for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title. Patrick Mahomes has been leading the team through OTAs this week, with mandatory minicamp set for next week, from June 11-13.
Thompson’s Instagram post captured his excitement about visiting the White House
Thompson joined the Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebrations in Las Vegas earlier this year
The Chiefs canceled Thursday’s practice following Thompson’s hospitalization, where he is now stable
The Chiefs will kick off the new NFL season in three months, facing the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium on September 5. They are the reigning Super Bowl champions, having defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas last season.
