NFL player diagnosed with blood clots forced to make difficult decision

New England Patriots star Christian Barmore has been diagnosed with blood clots , forcing him to make the difficult decision to step away from football for an indefinite period to receive treatment.

Barmore departed training camp immediately after Patriots head athletic trainer Jim Whalen discovered the issue. The defensive tackle has no timetable for his return.

The Patriots released a statement confirming Barmore's condition, which read: "Over the weekend, Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots. He was appropriately treated by the doctors at Mass General Brigham, who tested, evaluated and treated Christian.

READ MORE: New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener diagnosed with skin cancer aged 25
READ MORE: Jordan Love's new contract validates everything Green Bay Packers have been saying

"Our principal concern at this time is Christian's health and wellbeing. Fortunately, Mass General Brigham provides some of the best healthcare in the world. While there is no current timetable for his return, we know Christian is getting tremendous care and we look forward to his full recovery."

Barmore recently signed a four-year extension with the Patriots worth up to $84 million. His agent, Nicole Lynn, took to social media to highlight the severity of his medical situation and expressed her gratitude to Whalen.

"I would be remiss if I did not thank the Patriots’ trainer, Jim Whalen, for his absolute diligence and care over the last couple of days," Lynn wrote. "Today could have looked a lot different without Jim’s persistent and expertise."

READ MORE: Why Sophia Smith's Olympics effort vs Germany meant everything to Team USA superstar

The Patriots selected Barmore in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The former Alabama star enjoyed a stellar breakout season in 2023, appearing in all 17 games as the franchise went 4-13.

Barmore posted 65 tackles with 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss to secure a lucrative extension - which includes over $40 million in guaranteed money. The 25-year-old is considered a centrepiece of the defense and served as a rare bright spot in the 2023 NFL season.

Barmore and the Pats defense allowed just 4.7 yards a play and 21.5 points a game last season, but floundered as the offense scored fewer than 14 points per game. With a new regime in charge after Bill Belichick departed and Jerod Mayo took over, the Pats selected North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Perhaps Maye can give the Pats offense the juice it needs to keep pace with the defense, which will be without Barmore for the foreseeable future.