Deion Sanders, the renowned former NFL star, has expressed his heartfelt support for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts following Hurts’ recent diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. During a press conference at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he serves as head coach, Sanders took a moment to offer his prayers for the 28-year-old athlete.
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The news regarding Hurts’ condition emerged on October 19, and he has since been sidelined for the remainder of the NFL season. Reflecting on the situation, Sanders shared his understanding of the challenges Hurts is facing. “I know what he’s dealing with. I’m praying for him. I’m really, really praying for him,” he stated emphatically, indicating his own experiences with serious health issues.
Sanders, who had a 14-year career in the NFL and briefly played Major League Baseball, recalled his struggles with blood clots. In October of last year, he underwent a lengthy procedure to address recurring clots in his leg. This health concern has led to a series of surgical interventions, marking the procedure as the 16th operation he’s required in recent times. Audience members were made aware of this battle through a video posted on his son’s YouTube channel, documenting the setbacks Sanders has faced, including the amputation of two toes in 2021 due to circulation issues stemming from the same condition.
During the conference, Sanders expressed hope that Hurts’ situation would not lead to long-term consequences. “I pray to God that it’s not what I think, it’s not what many of us think. But when we see he’s out for the season, I just pray to God that he’s not out for the rest of his career,” he remarked, conveying a genuine concern for the young quarterback’s future.
In addition to his prayers, Sanders commended Hurts’s strong support system, recognising the influence of his family and upbringing. “Hats off to his family and the people around him. He has a tremendous family. He was raised correctly. Tremendous support system,” Sanders added, acknowledging that Hurts is a person of faith who has relied on that strength during difficult times.
Confirming Hurts’ medical diagnosis, his agent Nicole Lynn released a statement, indicating the player is clinically stable but will not be allowed to engage in contact activities, including football, as he starts a regimen of blood thinners. Lynn reiterated, “After further testing and monitoring, the current diagnosis is deep vein thrombosis as well as bilateral pulmonary emboli.”
Prior to the formal announcement of the season-ending injury, the Eagles had declared on October 15 that Hurts wouldn’t play in an upcoming match after medical examinations indicated unsettling developments in a previously diagnosed superficial blood clot in his calf. Consequently, the team placed him on injured reserve to mitigate any further health risks.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni later addressed concerns regarding the organisation’s handling of Hurts’ health issues, affirming the team’s commitment to player well-being. “The health of our players is always at the forefront of our minds… You’re always thinking about the well-being of your guys, and that’s where we were in that situation,” he assured, emphasising the importance of prioritising player health above all else.
As Hurts begins his recovery journey, he joins a long list of athletes who have had to navigate serious health challenges. The outpouring of support from figures like Deion Sanders showcases the camaraderie that exists within the sports community, which often extends beyond the playing field. The 28-year-old quarterback, who previously took his team to the Super Bowl, will undoubtedly be missed this season, but the hope remains that he will overcome these health challenges and make a triumphant return to the sport.