Michael Robinson Apologizes to Jalen Hurts for Implying Eagles Star Faked Injury

NFL Network analyst and former player Michael Robinson apologized for on-air comments he made about the health of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Robinson had implied that Hurts was using an injury to remove himself from the action so that a season going south “doesn’t look like it’s on me.”

In his apology, which Robinson posted to social media, the former NFL fullback said his comments “were unfounded and I never should have speculated on a health issue of a player nor his commitment to his team.”

The apology comes in the wake of the Eagles’ announcement earlier on Monday that Hurts would not return this season after being diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs.

The saga started Oct. 8, when Hurts requested treatment for a calf injury he suffered after being “cleated” during a game against the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 4. On Oct. 10 in London, ahead of a contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Eagles diagnosed Hurts with a superficial vein thrombosis in his left calf. He was cleared to play in the game, which the Eagles lost, 19-17.

Hurts underwent an ultrasound last Wednesday. Movement was found in the blood clot. On Friday, the Eagles ruled out Hurts for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, which the Eagles also lost, 25-14.

On Thursday, Robinson speculated about Hurts’ situation during a spot on NFL Network, saying: “I don’t know nothing, guys, but it looked like they were trying to pin the outcome of this season on Jalen Hurts, just so that they can have an excuse later on to move on from Jalen Hurts. And again, I’m not saying I know nothing, guys, but … if I’m Jalen Hurts or anybody in Jalen Hurts’ camp, I’m saying, ‘Well, if everybody’s hurt, I’m hurt, too.’”

Robinson explained that he had been “cleated” as a player and advised viewers to “Google superficial blood clot as opposed to a real blood clot.” He went on to say, “To me, it looked like Jalen is kind of getting himself out of the fray … so that this doesn’t look like it’s on me.”

Hurts, 28, is clinically stable and his treatment requires blood thinners. He can’t play football while on blood thinners and is expected to return upon the conclusion of his treatment.

Nicole Lynn, Hurts’ agent, and the Eagles said in a statement Monday that Hurts’ diagnosis is deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. The latter condition indicates blood clots in the lungs. Hurts has remained under evaluation in recent days. During treatment, he will remain around the team and work on his conditioning.

Hurts has 933 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, three interceptions, 107 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown this season. He's completing 57.8% of his passes. 

Hurts entered this season with 17,891 passing yards, 110 passing touchdowns, 3,554 rushing yards and 63 rushing touchdowns in his career. He's made the Pro Bowl three times and won Super Bowl LIX MVP against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Eagles signed Hurts to a five-year, $255 million extension in April 2023. However, there is little guaranteed money left on Hurts' deal after the 2026 season.

A talented runner and thrower, Hurts finished the 2025 season with 3,224 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 421 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He completed 64.8% of his passes.