BJ Thompson’s agent: “There is some reason for optimism” following cardiac arrest

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) - Kansas City Chiefs Defensive End BJ Thompson is alert and recovering in the hospital after going into cardiac arrest for more than a minute on Thursday.

“BJ is awake. He’s responding. Right now, he’s talking,” said Chris Turnage, Thompson’s agent. “The doctors are optimistic at this point, so there is some reason for optimism.”

Thompson is receiving treatment at the University of Kansas Medical Center – which is the official healthcare provider for the Chiefs. The 25-year-old suffered a seizure on Thursday before going into cardiac arrest for a minute and a half at the team facility. He had to use a ventilator Thursday night to assist with his breathing.

“Great kid, contagious smile that brings a lot of energy, that I really think was really going to make a mark, and hopefully still can, with the Chiefs,” Turnage said.

of the organization visited Thompson at the hospital on Friday. Thompson’s agent says quick action from the team’s medical staff was key to avoiding the worst outcomes.

“Some of the Chiefs’ staff came up today to see BJ and talk to him, which I thought was a great touch,” Turnage said. “The Chiefs’ training staff did a phenomenal job. Our thanks goes out to them, because if it weren’t for them, we’d be talking a very different story.”

Thompson has family in town to assist him through his treatment. They have felt the love from the Chiefs Kingdom, and they ask for continued prayers and .

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.