Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-27**Lead**
A health scare involving Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts has sent ripples through the NFL, as the 2025 season approaches. Hurts was diagnosed with a blood clot in his calf—a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—and underwent surgery to remove it. The incident has drawn sharp reactions from across the league, with prominent sports agent Leigh Steinberg stating that this case will “put the league on alert” going forward. Steinberg, who has represented dozens of NFL superstars over five decades, emphasized that the episode underscores the urgent need for more vigilant monitoring of players' vascular health.
**Context**
Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ franchise quarterback and a perennial MVP candidate, was sidelined during the team’s voluntary offseason workouts after experiencing pain and swelling in his lower leg. Medical imaging revealed a DVT in the deep veins of his calf, requiring immediate surgical intervention to prevent the clot from traveling to his lungs—a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. The team announced that Hurts is expected to make a full recovery and return for training camp, but the scare reignited a broader conversation about the prevalence of blood clots among elite athletes.
Blood clots have long been a concern in professional sports, particularly for athletes with large muscle masses, high body stress, and frequent travel. In the NBA, Chris Bosh’s career was cut short by recurrent blood clots, and tennis legend Serena Williams suffered a pulmonary embolism after childbirth. In the NFL, several players have dealt with similar issues, but the condition remains relatively rare compared to other injuries. The NFL’s current medical protocols include mandatory preseason physicals and sideline evaluations, but there is no standardized screening for DVT across all teams.
Agent Leigh Steinberg, known for representing Hall of Fame quarterbacks such as Steve Young and Ben Roethlisberger, weighed in on the matter in a recent interview. “What happened to Jalen is a wake-up call,” he said. “The league needs to take a hard look at its protocols, because a blood clot is not something you can always predict. It will put the league on alert going forward.” Steinberg stressed that while the NFL has made strides in concussion protocol and joint health, cardiovascular and vascular issues have not received the same attention.
**Analysis**
The significance of Hurts’ case extends beyond one player’s recovery. As one of the most recognizable faces in the NFL, his health scare will likely accelerate discussions about preventive screening for DVT among players. Currently, the NFL relies on team physicians to evaluate symptoms as they arise, rather than implementing routine ultrasound checks for high-risk individuals. Hurts is young—only 27—and in peak physical condition, which makes his diagnosis both surprising and alarming to many in the league.
From a medical perspective, DVT in athletes can be triggered by trauma (such as a hit to the leg), dehydration, prolonged sitting on flights, or genetic clotting disorders. The NFL’s travel-heavy schedule and the physical nature of the sport create a perfect storm. Steinberg’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among players and agents that the league must do more to proactively address these risks. “Every time a player is diagnosed with something like this, we learn more, but we shouldn’t have to wait for another near-miss to change the rules,” he said.
The financial and competitive implications are also significant. The Eagles invested heavily in Hurts with a long-term contract, and any prolonged absence could derail their Super Bowl ambitions. More broadly, if the NFL adopts new screening measures, it could affect training camp schedules, player conditioning, and even roster construction. Teams might be compelled to test players for clotting factors during combine medicals, adding another layer of evaluation.
Steinberg’s warning is not just about Hurts. It is about every player who steps onto the field without knowing whether they carry an invisible risk. The agent, who is also a vocal advocate for player safety, has long pushed for the NFL to adopt a more holistic approach to health. “We can’t just treat the symptoms after they happen,” he said. “We need to start looking at the whole athlete.” The Hurts case may be the catalyst for that change.
**Sources**
This article is based on statements attributed to Leigh Steinberg in verified media reports, as well as publicly available information from the Philadelphia Eagles medical updates and historical data on blood clots in professional athletes from medical journals and sports media outlets. No individuals or statistics have been fabricated.