Jalen Hurts' blood clot case will 'put the league on alert' going forward, famed agent Leigh Steinberg says

Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting quarterback, has been placed on injured reserve and is expected to miss the remainder of the season after doctors confirmed a deep‑vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. The diagnosis followed a series of medical tests that began with a superficial calf clot discovered after the team’s October 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

According to the Eagles, Hurts reported the calf issue on October 8, just three days after the game, and underwent an ultrasound on October 10 in London before the team’s Thursday‑night contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The medical staff in London cleared him to play, citing the clot’s superficial location and the need for mobility during the short trip. A follow‑up scan on October 14 revealed the clot had moved, prompting the team to place Hurts on injured reserve on October 17.

The incident has sparked a broader discussion about player health protocols in the NFL. On October 25, the league and the NFL Players Association announced they were working together to investigate the situation, in response to the union’s demand for a comprehensive review.

One of the voices most vocal about the implications of Hurts’ case is Leigh Steinberg, the agent who represented the former New England Patriots star Tom Brady and has represented other high‑profile quarterbacks, including Hurts. In an interview with OutKick, Steinberg outlined how he would have handled the situation if a client were in a similar position and warned that the case could set off a “red flag” for teams and agents alike.

“The words ‘blood clot’ would set off an alarm bell in my head,” Steinberg said. “I would have certainly been in touch with the Philadelphia medical staff, with the Eagles medical staff, and asked questions because blood clot is a red flag.”

Steinberg explained that an agent’s role extends beyond negotiating contracts; it includes safeguarding a player’s short‑term and long‑term health. “It’s where you have to put football aside for a moment, and the pressures of a season,” he added. “This just highlights the active role that every agent has to play in safeguarding the health both short term and long term.”

Despite his concerns, Steinberg was quick to defend Hurts’ own agent, Nicole Lynn, saying he believed she had acted with diligence. “I know his agent, she’s excellent,” he told OutKick. “I have no doubt she did the right thing.”

The question of whether Hurts should have played in London remains open. Steinberg posed the query to himself and the readers. “Should he have played in London? That’s an open question,” he said. He emphasized that determining whether earlier medical decisions were wrong is ultimately a medical matter for specialists in blood‑clot diagnosis.

The Eagles, owner Jeffrey Lurie, and general manager Howie Roseman have defended the care Hurts received. NFL medical chief Allen Sills said he has “complete confidence in the Eagles’ medical staff and their handling of this situation.”

In contrast, the NFLPA has called for a full investigation before any conclusions are drawn. A source quoted by Front Office Sports on October 25 said the league and union had not yet formally launched the investigation but were discussing its scope and process.

Hurts’ condition is serious, but the Eagles and Lynn have described him as “clinically stable” and expect a full recovery without long‑term effects. His treatment involves blood thinners, which preclude contact play. The team has stated that he can remain with the squad and continue conditioning within those limits.

Steinberg sees Hurts’ case as a potential catalyst for increased caution across the league. “The progression of this from a marginal health problem to a potential life‑threatening problem is going to put the league on alert,” he said. He added that the incident could prompt agents nationwide to take a more proactive stance in monitoring player health.

The ramifications extend beyond Hurts himself. Hurts signed a five‑year, $255 million extension in 2023, making him one of the highest‑paid quarterbacks in the league. His sudden loss leaves the Eagles reliant on backup Tanner McKee, a sixth‑round pick from Stanford who stepped into the starting role after Hurts’ placement on injured reserve. Steinberg described the transition as a “precipitous drop off in talent” and noted that another quarterback injury could further destabilize the team’s depth chart.

“It alters the balance of power in football,” Steinberg said. “And it’s a big setback for the Eagles.”

Looking ahead, Steinberg framed the situation as a fiduciary responsibility for agents: to protect players from dire health consequences and to ensure that the business side of football does not come at the expense of player well‑being. He also highlighted his own work on concussions and brain injuries through his foundation and medical conferences, underscoring a broader commitment to player safety.

Whether the investigation will lead to changes in medical protocols or agent responsibilities remains to be seen. For now, Hurts’ recovery and the ongoing inquiry will likely keep both the Eagles and the wider NFL community focused on the delicate balance between athletic performance and health protection.