A superficial blood clot forms in a vein just under the skin. It is not deep inside the muscle. Recently, the condition made national headlines. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was ruled out of Sunday’s game after a follow-up ultrasound found one in his calf. The news raised a lot of questions about what this kind of clot is, how serious it can be, and why it often points back to an underlying vein problem that most people have never had checked.
Superficial blood clots are usually less dangerous than clots deep inside the leg. Doctors still take them seriously, though. They often form in a vein already weakened by varicose veins or other vein disease. In rare cases, the clot can extend toward the deeper veins. That link between a surface clot and a deeper, undiagnosed vein problem is the part worth understanding.
Jalen Hurts Superficial Blood Clot in Calf
According to the Philadelphia Eagles’ official statement, Hurts was cleated in the calf during an October 4 game.[5] He requested treatment the next week. Out of caution, the team ran an ultrasound after flying to London for a Week 5 game. It revealed a superficial blood clot. Doctors cleared him to play, and he did so without limitation. Days later, a follow-up ultrasound showed movement in the clot. The Eagles then ruled him out of Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.[5] This article does not speculate on Hurts’ recovery timeline. It uses his public diagnosis only as a real-world example of a common condition.
Jalen Hurts’ diagnosis highlights that blood clots are not limited to the deep veins. Hurts was diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his calf, which falls under superficial vein thrombosis (SVT). Unlike deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT develops in veins closer to the skin, but it can still cause pain, redness, warmth and swelling and warrants medical evaluation and monitoring.
The connection to vein disease is especially relevant: superficial thrombophlebitis is commonly seen in people with varicose veins, demonstrating that problems within the superficial venous system can have medical significance beyond appearance
What Is a Superficial Blood Clot?
A superficial blood clot is also called superficial thrombophlebitis. It forms in a vein close to the skin’s surface and causes inflammation in that vein.[1] It most often appears in the legs, especially in veins already affected by varicose veins. It can also happen in the arms. Common signs include tenderness, warmth, redness, and a hardened, cord-like feeling along the vein. Many people describe it as feeling like a firm string under the skin.[1][2]
A direct blow to the leg can trigger it, much like Hurts’ own clot. It can also develop with no clear injury at all. Prolonged sitting, recent travel, pregnancy, and existing vein disease are all recognized contributors.[2]
How Is a Superficial Blood Clot Different From DVT?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) forms in a vein buried deep inside the muscle. It does not form near the skin’s surface. Deep veins sit inside muscle tissue that can squeeze a clot loose. Because of this, DVT carries a higher risk of a piece breaking off and traveling to the lungs. This complication is called a pulmonary embolism.[3] Superficial veins are not surrounded by that same muscle. That makes superficial clots less likely to dislodge and travel.
This difference does not mean a superficial clot can be ignored, though. Superficial and deep clots can occur together. A superficial clot can sometimes extend toward a deeper vein.[2][3] Doctors use a duplex ultrasound to tell which type is involved, the same imaging the Eagles used to monitor Hurts’ clot.
What Causes a Superficial Blood Clot?
Several factors can raise your risk, including:
- Varicose veins or other existing vein disease
- A recent leg injury, bruise, or blow
- Prolonged sitting, standing, or immobility
- Pregnancy or hormone-related medications
- Obesity or a sedentary lifestyle
- A personal or family history of blood clots[1][2]
Vein disease is one of the most common underlying causes. When vein valves weaken, blood pools instead of flowing back toward the heart. This happens with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Pooled blood creates conditions where a clot is more likely to form.[1]
The Vein Disease Connection
Here is an important detail that can get lost in the headlines: chronic vein disease can progress over time. Varicose veins are also associated with an increased risk of blood clots. A 2018 JAMA study found that people with varicose veins had a significantly higher observed risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) than those without varicose veins.[4]
Chronic venous disease can progress from symptoms such as leg heaviness and swelling to more advanced complications. Varicose veins are also commonly associated with superficial vein thrombosis (SVT), which in some cases can extend into the deep venous system.[1][4] That is why new or worsening vein symptoms deserve medical evaluation rather than being dismissed as simply cosmetic
Know the Signs and Take Leg Symptoms Seriously
Mild cases sometimes improve on their own. Rest, elevation, and warm compresses often help. Still, certain signs call for a prompt medical evaluation:
- Redness, swelling, or a hardened, cord-like vein that is spreading
- Pain that worsens quickly or becomes severe
- Swelling of the entire leg, not just along one vein
- Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing, which can signal a clot has reached the lungs and needs emergency care[2][3]
A vein specialist can use a duplex ultrasound to confirm whether a clot is superficial or deep. This test can also check for underlying vein disease that may be contributing to the problem. If you have visible varicose veins along with any of these symptoms, it may be worth having your veins checked. Do not assume the discomfort will simply pass on its own.
FAQs About Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clot and Vein Disease
- Cleveland Clinic. “Superficial Thrombophlebitis.” Cleveland Clinic Health Library. Last updated 2026.
- Mayo Clinic. “Thrombophlebitis: Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic.
- Harvard Health Publishing. “Superficial Thrombophlebitis.” Harvard Medical School.
- Journal of the American Medical Association. 2018 study on varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis risk.
- Philadelphia Eagles. Official team statement on Jalen Hurts’ injury status, October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This article provides educational information about vein disease and treatment options. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice. Only a qualified vein specialist can determine whether you have vein disease or recommend appropriate treatment. If you have leg swelling, pain, or other vascular symptoms, consult a healthcare provider or contact USA Vein Clinics for an evaluation.
