Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho
Emmanuel Acho Accuses Eagles Medical Staff of Negligence in Handling Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clot 1
Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho has questioned the Philadelphia Eagles’ handling of Jalen Hurts’ blood clot diagnosis, demanding answers from the team’s medical staff. Acho believes the decisions surrounding the quarterback’s health warrant serious scrutiny, particularly after further testing revealed a more serious condition.
Hurts played against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London after doctors spotted a superficial blood clot in his calf. Subsequent medical evaluations revealed deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in both lungs, prompting concerns about the decision to clear him to play.
Emmanuel Acho Demands Answers from the Eagles’ Medical Staff
Emmanuel Acho during the Miss USA 2025 event
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Acho’s criticism centers on the circumstances surrounding Hurts’ diagnosis and his participation in the London game. The former Eagles linebacker believes the medical decisions deserve greater scrutiny, particularly given the potential risks associated with blood clots. Acho shared his take during a recent episode of the Speakeasy podcast.
“Directing Jalen Hurts to NOT sleep and not allow his body to recover is NEGLIGENT and MALPRACTICE and WE NEED ANSWERS!”
.@EmmanuelAcho puts cases on EVERY Eagles' medical staff member who was negligent in handling Jalen Hurts' blood clot
"Directing Jalen Hurts to NOT sleep and not allow his body to recover is NEGLIGENT and MALPRACTICE and WE NEED ANSWERS!"
LIVE NOW ➡️ https://t.co/BBf5wHLkS0 pic.twitter.com/o2pGXn8XxE
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) October 20, 2026
Acho asserted that medical professionals must protect athletes from potentially dangerous situations, even when players are determined to compete. However, negligence and malpractice are serious allegations, and the available information does not establish that either occurred.
The Eagles previously explained that Hurts reported calf pain after practice. Following further evaluation, an ultrasound performed in London identified a superficial blood clot. The team said its medical staff and doctors in London concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Hurts could safely play. A follow-up ultrasound was recommended after the game.
Hurts subsequently played against the Jaguars before further testing revealed that his condition had progressed. The Eagles and his agent later confirmed that the diagnosis included deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. They also reported that he was clinically stable and expected to make a full recovery.
The developments raise questions about how the original diagnosis was assessed and whether the risks were adequately understood before Hurts took the field. Acho wants the medical professionals involved to explain their decisions rather than allowing the conversation to focus primarily on the quarterback’s toughness.
Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni has maintained that he relies on the organization’s medical experts when making decisions involving player health. He reiterated that position when asked about Hurts’ diagnosis, limited sleep, and participation in the London game.
That places the medical assessment at the center of the controversy. Coaches depend on qualified professionals to evaluate injuries and determine whether players can safely participate. At the same time, the seriousness of Hurts’ subsequent diagnosis makes questions about the original decision understandable.
The situation also raises broader concerns about football’s culture of playing through pain. Players often feel a strong responsibility to their teammates and organizations, but that determination cannot replace careful medical judgment. For Acho, accountability and transparency should remain the priority. He believes the Eagles’ medical staff must address the questions surrounding Hurts’ treatment and explain the reasoning behind the decisions made in London.