How would you feel if you were drafted by Andy Reid’s Chiefs in the fifth round… and played just one game? That’s the story of 26-year-old BJ Thompson, the 166th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, whose career was rocked by tragedy before it could even properly begin. His lone appearance in Kansas City’s Super Bowl-winning 2023 season quickly became overshadowed by the life-threatening health scare that followed. Now, almost a year later, the Chiefs’ plans for Thompson are becoming clearer—and they offer hope.

On May 5, X account NFL Rumors (@nflrums) reported that Kansas City plans to move Thompson to the injured reserve list and help him recover fully from the cardiac arrest and seizure he suffered during that June 7, 2024, team meeting. The news came just a day after the team waived Thompson with a failed physical designation, as first reported by Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest. “Thompson is expected to clear waivers, in which case he’ll return to the Chiefs on a reserve list,” CBS Sports confirmed.

On June 7, 2024, during a scheduled meeting for the Chiefs’ special teams unit, BJ Thompson experienced a seizure and went into cardiac arrest. The team responded swiftly, and Thompson was hospitalized. He was later placed on the non-football illness list and hasn’t played since. Before the incident, Thompson had been working to carve out a role on a stacked Chiefs defense. A standout at Stephen F. Austin, he totaled 49 solo tackles and 6 sacks in college, showing enough potential for Kansas City to sign him to a four-year, $4.11 million rookie deal.

The move, though procedural, reflects the Chiefs‘ commitment to Thompson’s health and future. While some speculated that the team might part ways entirely, it’s now clear that Andy Reid and the front office want to keep Thompson around as he works through recovery.

Andy Reid shuts down rumors with message of support 

At rookie minicamp this weekend, Andy Reid addressed the situation publicly, via NFL reporter Charles Goldman. “Just real quick with BJ Thompson. I think he saw where we waived him to (injury) designation there,” Reid said. “He is making progress, but just not quite there yet. But he’s made great, great strides. And so in this day and age of the way football is, we had to do something there. And this is the route that we went. But it doesn’t mean his career is over by any means—just where we’re at today.” The quote reinforced that the team’s decision wasn’t about giving up on Thompson. It was about preserving a future—for the player and the team.

Kansas City’s recent moves have only added fuel to the speculation. The 2025 NFL Draft saw the Chiefs select edge rusher Ashton Gillotte out of Louisville with the 66th overall pick. That led many to believe that Thompson, already dealing with health concerns, might be on the trade block—or simply cut loose.

But Reid’s latest message suggests otherwise. The Chiefs may be reshuffling their defensive front, but they’re not turning their backs on BJ. Even if he’s not back on the field immediately, the IR designation keeps him in the system. Once healthy, he can compete again.

What happens next is uncertain. If BJ Thompson clears waivers, as expected, he’ll land on the team’s reserve list and begin formal rehabilitation under the Chiefs’ guidance. It’s a second chance—a rare one in pro football. And a testament to Kansas City’s culture under Andy Reid. Let’s hope the next time Thompson makes headlines, it’s for taking the field again. The talent is there. The heart? Undeniable.