Eagles' Jalen Hurts sends letter to WFT, NFL about safeguards after railing collapse
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts sent a letter to the Washington Football Team and the NFL to ask what action is being taken after a railing collapsed Sunday at FedEx Field.
"I am writing to inquire about what follow-up action is being considered in response to the near-tragic incident that took place at FedEXField on January 2, 2002," Hurts wrote in a letter obtained by USA TODAY Sports. "As you are aware, many individuals, including fans, media personnel, and myself, were placed in a dangerous situation when portions of the FedEx Field tunnel collapsed. Although I was able to prevent the barrier from crashing onto me, that was not the same for others who could be suffering from lingering injuries."
Fans waiting for Hurts to run through the tunnel after the Eagles 20-16 win against the Washington Football Team fell onto the field when the corner of the railing fell. Mark Tennally, a photo runner for The Associated Press, was injured and attended to by medical personnel.
Hurts told reporters during his Tuesday press conference, “It was actually sent to league officials as well. I tried to handle the situation with a lot of poise and show compassion for the people that fell down, really. I know that it could have been so much worse. It kind of didn’t hit me until after the fact. Having some time to reflect on it and think about it, I just wanted to see what could be done to make sure it doesn’t happen again. That’s all I really care about. That’s a very tragic incident, and it could’ve been much, much worse. I just don’t want it to happen again.”
"The resources of the NFL and team organizations ensure our safety through playing this physical sport, but what happened on Sunday put both fans and the players unnecessarily at risk long after the final whistle," wrote Hurts. "I look forward to hearing from you on this matter."
A spokesman for the Washington Football Team said that president Jason Wright had offered to speak with Hurts on the matter.
Contributing: Jori Epstein, USA TODAY Sports, Martin Frank, Delaware News Journal
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Jori Epstein on Twitter @JoriEpstein
Contact Analis Bailey at aabailey@usatoday.com or on Twitter @analisbailey.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Eagles' Jalen Hurts sends letter to WFT, NFL after railing collapse
