Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman B.J. Thompson is showing promising signs of recovery after experiencing a seizure and cardiac arrest during a team meeting on Thursday.
The 25-year-old player was hospitalized and placed on a ventilator, but by Friday, he was awake, alert, and responsive. Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder reported that Thompson’s prognosis is good, although a diagnosis has not been determined.
Thompson’s medical emergency revealed during a meeting at the team’s practice facility, prompting quick action from his teammates and training staff.
Kicker Harrison Butker rushed to summon assistance, and trainers Julie Frymyer, David Glover, and Rick Burkholder sprang into action. Dr. Jean-Philippe Darche from the adjacent Kansas Health Sports Medicine and Performance Center also joined the response effort.
The team’s swift response and adherence to emergency protocols likely played a crucial role in Thompson’s positive outcome. Coach Andy Reid praised the players, security staff, and coaching staff for their handling of the crisis, noting that the NFL’s mandatory emergency action plans helped prepare them for such a situation.
As Thompson continues his recovery, the Chiefs have offered support to their players, canceling Thursday’s practice and pushing their final organized team activity to Friday. The team will proceed with their mandatory minicamp next week, grateful for Thompson’s improving condition.