Kenneth Walker III Shares His Thoughts On Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clot History

Kenneth Walker III stands on the field during a Kansas City Chiefs game.© X/@NFL

Kenneth Walker III knew how frightening a blood clot diagnosis could be long before Jalen Hurts faced the same problem. The Kansas City Chiefs running back had suffered blood clots in both lungs during high school, a medical scare that once made him fear his football career might never begin. So when Hurts' condition worsened after the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback traveled to London and played against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Walker had reason to question the circumstances. Speaking to reporters Friday, he offered support for Hurts while admitting that one part of the situation left him surprised.

Kenneth Walker III on Hurts' blood clot history

Walker did not hide his reaction when reporters brought up Hurts' trip to London. The Chiefs running back appeared taken aback by the idea that the Eagles quarterback had traveled internationally while dealing with a blood clot.

“You know, obviously, I guess you know about what happened in high school, like, with the blood clots and everything. 
And he went on the flight, huh, and everything? Yeah, that's crazy. Walker said.

His response came from personal experience rather than speculation. Walker had faced a pulmonary embolism in high school, with blood clots affecting both lungs. The condition had threatened his hopes of playing football before his professional career even started.

He kept his message to Hurts simple, urging the quarterback to put his health first and give himself time to recover.

“Yeah, honestly, just stay positive,” Walker said. “You know, honestly, just stay positive, and, you know, do all the things necessary that he need to do, like, to get his body back right.”

Walker also made it clear that he did not consider the diagnosis something to brush aside. He said he would pray for Hurts, adding that the situation was not something anyone should take lightly. For a player who had experienced a similar medical emergency, the concern went beyond what happened on the field.

Jalen Hurts' diagnosis raises questions about Eagles' decision

Hurts' situation became more serious after his initial diagnosis of a superficial blood clot in his calf ahead of Philadelphia's game against Jacksonville in London. The Eagles' medical staff reportedly cleared him to play, but questions followed about the decision and the circumstances surrounding his trip.

According to HITC, Hurts had reportedly been instructed not to sleep the night before the game, leaving him awake for 36 consecutive hours before playing. 

His condition later worsened when blood clots were found in his lungs, and he was ruled out for the remainder of the regular season. He began taking blood thinners as part of his recovery.

The NFL Players Association requested an investigation into how the situation was handled. Neither the Eagles nor the league had provided clear answers about the decisions surrounding Hurts' travel and playing status.