Chiefs Defensive End Saved by Teammate After Seizure, Cardiac Arrest

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end BJ Thompson suffered a seizure and went into cardiac arrest during a team meeting, but was saved by the quick actions of teammate Harrison Butker and the team's medical staff.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end BJ Thompson is recovering after suffering a seizure and going into cardiac arrest during a team meeting on Thursday.

The team's vice president of sports medicine and performance, Rick Burkholder, said that the team had held a meeting earlier in the week discussing "scenarios like" Thompson's emergency.

During Thursday's meeting, when Thompson had a seizure, it was Harrison Butker who alerted the team's medical personnel.

"When he had the seizure, Butker immediately ran towards the training room and grabbed [assistant athletic trainers] Julie Frymyer and David Glover and then grabbed me, and we went into the room," Burkholder told the NFL Network Friday.

"As a team, we tried to stabilize BJ and put him on the floor while he was still seizing," Burkholder added. "Then he went into cardiac arrest. Our team of that group of people provided CPR for him. He had one AD shock and came back, so he was only in cardiac arrest for less than a minute, minute and a half. "Our players, our security staff — everybody involved, coaches and staff — they were phenomenal in handling the crisis."

Thompson's agent said Friday that Thompson is "awake and responsive."

Thompson is entering his second season with the Chiefs after being selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. He appeared in one game during his rookie season against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18, and he registered two tackles.

While the entire Chiefs organization deserves credit for their quick and efficient response to Thompson's medical emergency, it was teammate Harrison Butker who played a crucial role in saving his life.

Butker, a placekicker for the Chiefs, immediately recognized that Thompson was in trouble and alerted the team's medical staff. His quick thinking and decisive actions helped to ensure that Thompson received the medical attention he needed as quickly as possible.

Thompson is currently recovering in a hospital, and his agent has said that he is "awake and responsive." The team has not released any further updates on his condition, but he is expected to make a full recovery.

The Chiefs organization and the Kansas City community have rallied around Thompson and his family during this difficult time. Fans have sent messages of support and well-wishes, and the team has organized a blood drive in Thompson's honor.

Thompson's medical emergency is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies. The Chiefs organization had a plan in place for such an event, and the team's medical staff was able to respond quickly and effectively.

The Chiefs' response to Thompson's medical emergency is a testament to the team's unity and teamwork. Players, coaches, and staff members all worked together to save Thompson's life, and their efforts were successful.

It is too early to say when Thompson will be able to return to the football field, but he is expected to make a full recovery. He is a talented young player with a bright future, and the Chiefs are looking forward to having him back on the team.

The Chiefs organization and the Kansas City community are grateful for the quick actions of Harrison Butker and the team's medical staff, which saved the life of BJ Thompson. Thompson is expected to make a full recovery, and the team is looking forward to having him back on the field.