NFL Faces Scrutiny Over Jalen Hurts' Blood Clot Diagnosis, Agent Says

The blood clot diagnosis of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to prompt increased scrutiny and caution across the National Football League, according to veteran agent Leigh Steinberg.

Hurts was recently diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, conditions involving blood clots in his legs and lungs, which will sideline him for the remainder of the season. The NFL and the NFL Players Association have announced they are reviewing the matter, following a demand for investigation from the union.

Steinberg, a prominent figure in sports representation, stated that the phrase "blood clot" would immediately trigger an alarm for any agent representing a player. He indicated that he would have sought answers from the team's medical staff if a client were in a similar situation, while emphasizing that medical experts should ultimately determine the appropriateness of the Eagles' handling of Hurts' care.

"This just highlights the active role that every agent has to play in safeguarding the health both short term and long term," Steinberg told OutKick. "It’s where you have to put football aside for a moment, and the pressures of a season."

The scrutiny surrounding Hurts' situation centers on his clearance to play against Jacksonville in London on Oct. 11. According to the Eagles, Hurts first sought treatment on Oct. 8 after being cleated in a game on Oct. 4. He practiced fully before traveling to London, where an ultrasound on Oct. 10 identified a superficial clot in his left calf. The team stated that its medical staff and London-based doctors determined he could safely play.

Following his return to Philadelphia, a subsequent ultrasound on Oct. 14 revealed the clot had moved, and he was placed on injured reserve Oct. 17. Steinberg acknowledged that the timeline does not automatically indicate that earlier medical decisions were incorrect, stressing that such assessments require expert medical analysis.

"Should he have played in London? That’s an open question," Steinberg said. "This is a medical question which can only be analyzed by experts in the field of blood clot diagnosis."

The NFL has defended the care provided to Hurts. "I have complete confidence in the Eagles’ medical staff and their handling of this situation," said NFL medical chief Allen Sills. However, the NFLPA has called for a full investigation before any conclusions are drawn.

Hurts is reportedly stable and not expected to have long-term effects, undergoing treatment with blood thinners. This treatment prevents him from participating in contact activities but allows him to remain around the team and continue conditioning. The Eagles have turned to rookie sixth-round pick Tanner McKee as their starting quarterback in Hurts' absence.

Steinberg believes the progression of Hurts' condition, from a less severe initial finding to a potentially life-threatening one, will serve as a significant warning to the league.

"The progression of this from a marginal health problem to a potential life-threatening problem is going to put the league on alert," he said.

Steinberg also drew parallels to his long-standing work on concussions and brain health, viewing player health protection as a fiduciary responsibility. He noted the substantial football consequences of losing a franchise quarterback, particularly given the financial investments involved in player contracts, citing Hurts' five-year, $255 million extension signed in 2023.

"It alters the balance of power in football," Steinberg said. "And it’s a big setback for the Eagles."

His primary concern, however, remains the long-term well-being of the players. "The issue here is long-term health," he stated. "The issue is safeguarding him from dire consequences."