Why Hurts played with blood clot and what it means for NFL

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is recovering from a life-threatening condition which developed after he was cleared to play with a blood clot and board a long-haul flight. Jalen Hurts has led the Philadelphia Eagles to two Super Bowls, winning the NFL's championship game in 2025 News that Jalen Hurts played a game hours after being diagnosed with a blood clot had already shocked the NFL world. The Philadelphia Eagles then said their star quarterback will probably miss the rest of the season after multiple blood clots were found in his lungs – a life-threatening condition if not treated quickly. It raised questions over the NFL's handling of the matter and its general approach to player health and safety, partly because the game in question was part of the league's international series.

Hurts' initial diagnosis was in London, before the Eagles played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 11 October, and he flew back with the team that evening. What do we know about what happened? Why was Hurts allowed to play and then fly home straight after? And what does it mean for him, the Eagles and the NFL? Sunday, 4 October: Another player stepped on Hurts' left calf during Philadelphia's defeat by the Los Angeles Rams, although he completed the game. Thursday, 8 October: Hurts first reported an issue