The Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback room has been clouded by uncertainty since Jalen Hurts was diagnosed with a blood clot, and now the franchise's iconic former center, Jason Kelce, is stepping into the conversation. On the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, Kelce shared his thoughts on the situation, offering both empathy for Hurts and a defense of the team's medical decisions.
"I feel for Jalen Hurts. This dude has been a warrior in Philadelphia, and for this to be what it's gotten to, it stinks," Kelce said on Wednesday's show, which he co-hosts with his brother Travis. The former All-Pro lineman acknowledged that fans and media are hungry for more details, but he pushed back against the notion that the Eagles acted recklessly.
"I understand the frustration, but I don't think the team was as irresponsible as some are making them out to be," Kelce added, trying to calm the growing storm around the organization's handling of Hurts' health.
Despite Kelce's reassurances, the fan base remains deeply uneasy. Social media is ablaze with questions about how the clot formed in the first place and what it means for Hurts' long-term career. One concerned supporter wrote, "If Jalen is on blood thinners, there's no way he would be able to play, maybe for life?" Another pointed a finger at the front office, accusing owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman of staying silent while head coach Nick Sirianni takes the heat.
The criticism has been sharp, with some suggesting that the Eagles' leadership has been "MIA" throughout this ordeal. "Complete failure of leadership on multiple fronts," one user posted, echoing a sentiment that has gained traction among the fanbase. Others have questioned the very decision to let Hurts play at all, with one commenter noting, "It is terrible. It's not 'appears to look terrible.' It is not good to place a player in the middle of the physicality of an NFL football game that can get worse by taking another hit."
This isn't the first time the Eagles' handling of Hurts' condition has come under fire. Earlier this week, fans demanded answers over the blood clot situation, and the NFL cleared the team after a review, but that hasn't quieted the critics. Meanwhile, reports emerged that Hurts stayed awake for 36 hours to play through the ordeal, adding another layer of concern about the pressure players face to compete.
Kelce's loyalty to his former team is understandable, but the reality is that no one is rushing to take responsibility for a potential misstep that could have endangered Hurts' life. Legal exposure and the threat of lawsuits loom large, making accountability unlikely in the public eye. For now, the best outcome everyone can hope for is that Hurts receives proper medical care and makes a full recovery.
As the Eagles navigate this crisis, the focus should remain on the player's well-being, not just the team's reputation. Kelce's words offer some comfort, but the questions from fans won't fade easily. The coming weeks will be critical for Hurts' health and for the franchise's credibility.
