NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Receives Response from NFL on Blood Clot Protocol, Pushes for Continued Transparency

U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committees on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and Commerce, Science, and Transportation, received a response to her inquiry into the National Football League’s (NFL) deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) treatment protocols. Last month, the Senator sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell following a medical incident involving Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was diagnosed with DVT and bilateral PE. The NFL’s response provided updates on the NFL and NFL Players Association’s joint review of Jalen Hurts’ injuries and outlined ongoing efforts to track clotting disorders in the NFL. “The League’s highest priority is the health and safety of players… With respect to the circumstances of Mr. Hurts’ diagnosis, as you may know, the NFL and the NFL Players Association have agreed to conduct a joint review of the circumstances related to his injury. As outlined by the league and NFLPA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, mutually agreed-upon independent medical experts will review the matter and share their conclusions and recommendations with both parties,” said Jeff Miller, Executive Vice President, Communications, Public Affairs, and Health Policy, NFL. “The League and Players Association also have several medical committees that review and monitor player injury data closely. For at least the past decade, the NFL has tracked clotting disorders among players every season through a subcommittee of its General Medical Committee, and this information is shared with the NFLPA,” Miller continued . “Following the ongoing joint review, the League and NFLPA will consider appropriate next steps, including whether this case points to a need for additional league-wide guidance.” Miller concluded, “We welcome the opportunity to provide additional information, and find ways to support your efforts around raising awareness and improving outcomes related to blood clot disorders.” On the NFL’s response, Senator Blunt Rochester said, “I’m grateful for an update on the NFL’s review of Mr. Hurts’ diagnosis and for information on the League’s efforts to track clotting disorders in its athletes. While I appreciate the NFL’s transparency, I encourage its leadership to use this moment to increase awareness of DVT and PE to better protect its players and support public health. Every year, over 100,000 Americans are affected by blood clots, but with the NFL’s reach and influence, we can increase education and help save lives. I’m hopeful that this unfortunate incident can become a force for good, leading to lasting change within the league and our healthcare system at large. I will continue following up with the NFL to ensure this situation is treated with the diligence and care it deserves.” The full response letter can be found HERE .