By Sports Correspondent

Published: June 8, 2024 | Updated: June 8, 2024

The Kansas City Chiefs received positive updates regarding BJ Thompson’s health following a medical emergency during a team meeting on Thursday. Fortunately, the Chiefs had recently conducted an emergency action plan drill, ensuring their staff was well-prepared to handle such a critical situation.

Led by Sports Medicine Emergency Management, the Chiefs’ medical personnel practiced scenarios like Thompson’s seizure just days before the incident. This proactive measure proved invaluable, as the team’s quick response likely played a pivotal role in stabilizing Thompson’s condition.

Andy Reid, Chiefs Head Coach, expressed relief that the incident occurred where support was readily available.

According to Rick Burkholder, the Chiefs’ head athletic trainer, Thompson experienced a seizure followed by cardiac arrest. The team’s medical staff, including the team physician, swiftly administered CPR and used an AED to revive Thompson. Their prompt action likely saved his life, as he was in cardiac arrest for less than a minute and a half.

Head coach Andy Reid commended the professionalism and swift response of the medical team, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. He expressed gratitude that, if such an incident had to occur, it happened in an environment with immediate access to expert support.

Safety Justin Reid, who was present during the incident, praised the trainers and medical staff for their sense of urgency and swift action. Kicker Harrison Butker was also commended for his quick thinking in alerting the trainers.

Updates from Thompson’s agent and the Chiefs indicate that the defensive end is now awake and alert.

Defensive end George Karlaftis expressed relief at Thompson’s improving condition and credited the team’s unity and the expertise of the athletic trainers for their timely assistance. The Chiefs canceled their practice following the incident, and updates from both the team and Thompson’s agent confirmed that he was awake and alert on Friday.