Chiefs coach finally breaks silence on BJ Thompson’s unexpected cardiac arrest

BJ Thompson suffered a seizure and went into cardiac arrest at the Chiefs special team's practice session.

Chiefs coach finally breaks silence on BJ Thompson’s unexpected cardiac arrest

BJ Thompson and Steve Spagnuolo (Via Fox News/Yahoo Sports)

Last Thursday, the Kansas City Chiefs witnessed a medical emergency as defensive lineman BJ Thompson was taken to the hospital after experiencing a cardiac arrest at the special team meeting, resulting in the suspension of Thruday practice session by the franchise.  

A source close to The Associated Press revealed that Thompson suffered a seizure and went into cardiac arrest but fortunately, the medical team handled the situation quickly and stabilized the defensive player, until the Paramedics arrived and took him to hospital. Thompson is still in the hospital but in a stable condition. 

The same Thursday evening, several Chiefs players along with head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo‘s 2nd annual Kansas City charity softball game, where they also held a prayer for the recovery of Thompson. 

FS Video

When the reporters asked questions about Thompson’s condition, defensive coordinator Spagnulo gave an update and revealed the emotions the Chiefs player and coaching staff present at the practice session went through. 

Let me say this before I say anything, I’m thinking about BJ right no. 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.
Steve Spagnuolo told the reporters

Spagnuolo said although he wasn’t present when this happened as it happened during the special team’s practice, the Chiefs staff who would present did a great job. 

BJ Thompson aside, Chiefs face new health scare amidst offseason turmoil 

This isn’t the first incident in the NFL when a player suffered such a cardiac arrest, as last year in January during a match between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals– when the Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed right on the field in front of worldwide fans on primetime. 

Bills DB Damar Hamlin (Image via IMAGO)

He was rushed to the hospital and was found to have a cardiac arrest following making a tackle. He remained in hospital for several months before finding his way back to the football. Hamlin has now fully recovered and even made his comeback last season. 

Now that Thompson’s condition is in the spotlight, the Chiefs have gathered a health scare scandal upon the bundle of offseason scandals that they have suffered since the Super Bowl. 

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