Eagles QB Jalen Hurts pens letter to the NFL, WFT after rail collapse at FedEx

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts penned a letter to NFL and the Washington Football Team asking what could be done to prevent further incidents like the one he was involved in Sunday, when a railing at FedEx Field leading to the visitor’s locker room collapsed as fans gathered to congratulate him following Philadelphia’s 20-16 win.

The letter asked about the follow-up action that’s being considered in response to Sunday’s incident. “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,” Hurts wrote.

Hurts also addressed it during his Tuesday press conference. “I just wanted to see what could be done to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Hurts said. “That’s all I really care about. That’s a very tragic incident and it could’ve been worse… much much worse.”

Fans fell from the stands, nearly on to Hurts, but got up quickly, some with the help of the Eagles quarterback. Hurts said Tuesday that he was glad no fans that fell were seriously injured.

“I tried to handle the situation with a lot of poise and show compassion for the people that fell down,” He said. “…but I know 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.”

In a statement, the Washington Football Team said everyone involved was offered medical attention and left the stadium on their own.

“We’re very glad no one appears to have been seriously injured,” the statement reads. “The safety of our fans and guests is of the utmost importance and we are looking into what occurred.”

On Tuesday, a team spokesperson said team president Jason Wright received Hurts’ letter and sent a private email in reply.

“He looks forward to talking to Jalen. Additionally, we’re working to ensure this does not happen again,” the spokesperson said.

Philadelphia (9-7) already clinched a playoff spot and faces the Dallas Cowboys (11-5) at home next Sunday to wrap up the 2021 regular season.

(Photo: Todd Olszewski / Getty Images)