BJ Thompson, the defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, has been discharged from the hospital following a cardiac arrest incident last week, according to his agent who informed NFL Network on Monday night.
On Thursday, while attending a special teams meeting at the Chiefs’ practice facility, Thompson, who is 25 years old, experienced seizures and went into cardiac arrest. To assist with breathing, he was placed on a ventilator and sedated throughout Thursday and the night. However, on Friday, he regained consciousness and was taken off the ventilator.
According to a statement provided to NFL Network by agent Chris Turnage, the family expresses their gratitude to all those who prayed for them and gives a special recognition to the Chiefs medical and training staff for their swift response and exceptional professionalism during this trying time.
Last Friday, the Chiefs’ vice president of sports medicine and performance, Rick Burkholder, revealed that Harrison Butker, the team’s kicker, took the initiative to inform the medical staff about Thompson’s condition during a meeting on Thursday. According to Burkholder, Thompson received immediate medical attention from the athletic trainers and a team doctor before the fire department personnel arrived at the scene.
According to Burkholder, Thompson suffered from cardiac arrest for approximately one to one and a half minutes before being taken to a nearby hospital.
The Chiefs picked Thompson from Stephen F. Austin in the 2023 draft’s fifth round. As a rookie, he had the chance to play in one game and made an impact by recording two tackles.