Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders delivered a heartfelt message to Jalen Hurts as the Philadelphia Eagles are set to rule him out for the rest of the NFL season because of blood clots in his lungs.
Sanders, who has dealt with serious blood-clot complications himself, said Tuesday that he understands the uncertainty Hurts is facing and is praying for his recovery.
“I know what he’s dealing with. I know what he’s going through and I’m praying for him. I’m really, really praying for him,” Sanders said. “When we see he’s out for the season and see things like that, I’m just like, I pray to God he’s not out for the rest of his career.”
ESPN reported on Monday that Hurts will miss the remainder of the season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. He is clinically stable and is being treated with blood thinners, which prevent him from playing football while he remains on them.
Philadelphia and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, said his prognosis is “very good” and that they expect him to make a full recovery without long-term effects.
“Jalen’s prognosis is very good, and we expect a full recovery,” Lynn said in a statement. “We anticipate that he will have the opportunity to resume contact football activities when off the blood thinners. In the meantime, he will remain active around the team and continue to condition. More importantly, we anticipate that he will have no long-term effects.
“We are thinking of Jalen and looking forward to a strong recovery.”
Matt Marton-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Sanders’ comments carry added weight because of his own history with blood clots. In 2021, he was hospitalized for nearly a month after developing clots in his femoral artery and experiencing compartment syndrome following foot surgery.
The complications ultimately resulted in the amputation of his big toe and second toe on his left foot. Sanders has undergone additional procedures since then, including surgery in 2023 to remove more blood clots from his right leg.
Philadelphia will move forward with Tanner McKee at quarterback while Hurts remains sidelined. The Eagles, now 2-4, host the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night.
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