Kansas City Chiefs defensive end BJ Thompson experienced a medical emergency during a team meeting on Thursday, June 6, 2024. According to multiple sources, Thompson suffered a seizure and went into cardiac arrest. The incident occurred at the Chiefs' practice facility.
Thompson was immediately attended to by medical staff on site and taken away in an ambulance. He is currently 'awake and responsive,' according to his agent Chris Turnage, who spoke with NFL Network.
The Chiefs canceled Thursday's practice session due to the incident. Head coach Andy Reid is expected to address the situation during Friday's media availability.
Thompson is entering his second season with the Chiefs after being selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. He appeared in one game during his rookie season against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18, where he registered two tackles.
The cause of Thompson's seizure and cardiac arrest is unknown at this time. The Chiefs had just completed their most recent practice session on Monday, and they are mandated by the NFL to practice emergency action plans for various situations, including cardiac crises.
Thompson's teammates and staff reacted quickly to provide CPR and use a defibrillator to restart his heart. He was then transported to The University of Kansas Health System for further treatment.
The Chiefs gave players the rest of Thursday off, pushing the final organized team activity to Friday. They have their mandatory three-day minicamp next week before breaking until training camp in late July in St. Joseph, Missouri.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of having a well-trained medical staff and emergency response plan in place for athletic teams.
Sources: NBC News: 'Kansas City Chiefs lineman BJ Thompson needed defibrillator shock to restart heart at team meeting after cardiac arrest' ESPN: 'Chiefs' BJ Thompson awake, alert after cardiac arrest' KCTV5: 'Kansas City Chiefs DE alert after suffering medical emergency at practice' AP News: 'Chiefs' BJ Thompson is alert and responsive a day after having a seizure, going into cardiac arrest' Fox News: 'Chiefs' BJ Thompson awake and responsive after seizure, cardiac arrest: agent'