Ex-Falcons Player Diagnosed With Post-Traumatic Amnesia After Hit

CHICAGO — Hayden Hurst, the 30-year-old Carolina Panthers tight end and former Atlanta Falcons player, has been diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia after a hit in the Nov. 9 game against the Chicago Bears, per media reports.

Hurst's father, Jerry, reportedly announced the news in a social media post Wednesday that appears to have since been deleted. The post was shared by Fox 5 Atlanta.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Hurst said Thursday his diagnosis will not end his career.

"I appreciate everyone reaching out & checking on me. I suffered a pretty nasty concussion against the Bears a few weeks ago & don't remember up to 4 hours after the game. Scary situation but the Panthers have been incredible walking me through this process. While it was scary, it is NOT career ending. I'm starting my return to play this week, so fingers crossed I make it back for the last few weeks! God Bless & Keep Pounding," Hurst said in the post.

The Panthers shared an X post Wednesday from NFL writer Darin Gantt that stated Hurst returned to practice in a red jersey though he was "still in concussion protocol but progressing."

According to the National Institutes of Health, post-traumatic amnesia is a factor of a traumatic brain injury.

CBS Sports reported Hurst had one touchdown and caught 18 passes for 184 yards during nine games this football season. Hurst penned a three-year contract with the Panthers this year after a season with the Cincinnati Bengals, the outlet reported.

He played for the Falcons in 2020 and 2021 and has also been a part of the Baltimore Ravens, which drafted Hurst in the No. 25 overall spot, according to his NFL stats and CBS Sports.

"His best NFL season came in 2020 with Atlanta, when he caught 56 passes for 571 yards and six touchdowns," CBS Sports wrote.