Kansas City Chiefs linebacker BJ Thompson breathed a significant sigh of relief after being released from the hospital on Monday, following a harrowing cardiac arrest and seizure. Though tackling medical conditions was never part of his game plan, Thompson expressed deep gratitude for the medical team that brought him back from the brink (Fox News, June 11, 2024; NY Post, June 11, 2024).

Thompson's health scare occurred during a workout session on Thursday morning (Fox News, June 11, 2024). What started as a routine day at the Chiefs' facility quickly escalated into a life-threatening emergency. Moments before the episode, Thompson had been in a special teams meeting (NY Post, June 11, 2024).

Following the incident, the Chiefs promptly canceled Thursday's practice session. After all, it's difficult to focus on tackling drills when a teammate's life hangs in the balance (Fox News, June 11, 2024; NY Post, June 11, 2024).

Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker played a critical role in alerting the medical staff and attending to Thompson before professional help arrived. It seems Butker's accuracy isn’t just limited to making field goals but also to making lifesaving calls (Fox News, June 11, 2024; NY Post, June 11, 2024).

The Chiefs' medical and training staff were the real MVPs of the day. Their swift and professional intervention, including CPR and the use of an AED, revived Thompson. This behind-the-scenes heroism epitomizes the teamwork that keeps the Chiefs running, both on and off the field (Fox News, June 11, 2024; NY Post, June 11, 2024).

Thompson is no stranger to close calls. He walked off the field during a game against the Arizona Cardinals on August 19, 2023, raising concerns among fans and teammates alike (Fox News, June 11, 2024). Some players dance along the sideline; Thompson opts for a walk-off during games—just to keep things interesting.

Despite the medical scare, the Chiefs’ training staff went above and beyond by visiting Thompson in the hospital. It’s comforting to know that team support extends beyond the gridiron, reaching into hospital rooms and medical facilities (NY Post, June 11, 2024).

Thompson was drafted in the fifth round of the NFL Draft and is entering his second season with the Kansas City Chiefs (Fox News, June 11, 2024). The linebacker isn't just another player; he's a key figure who celebrated the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories and even posted about his White House visit on Instagram (NY Post, June 11, 2024).

As he continues to recover, Thompson's humor remains intact. Reflecting on the ordeal, he quipped, "I’d rather be tackling opponents, not medical conditions." And as he makes strides on his road to recovery, the Chiefs and their fans are undoubtedly eager to see him back on the field, where the only heart-stopping moments involve game-winning plays and not medical emergencies.