Kyle Van Noy Critiques Chiefs’ Training Staff After Eye Injury
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy recently expressed his discontent regarding the handling of his eye injury by the Kansas City Chiefs’ training staff during their Week 1 matchup at Arrowhead Stadium on September 5. Van Noy, who suffered a fractured orbital bone, highlighted the lack of urgency and professionalism he experienced while waiting for medical attention.
In a candid discussion on his podcast, “McCoy & Van Noy,” he recounted the frustrating ordeal. He mentioned needing to see an ophthalmologist but was left waiting in the locker room for an extended period. “I was disappointed in the way the training staff of the Chiefs handled the situation,” he stated. “When you get hurt, especially something that could be serious like mine was, you’re supposed to rely on the (home) team’s training staff or their doctors.”
Van Noy elaborated on the timeline, noting, “They took an entire quarter to get down to talk to me in the locker room, which to me is unacceptable. Because then you start thinking, ‘What if I was trying to go back in the game? What if I was really, really hurt?’” He described a rather casual approach from the medical personnel, recalling how a doctor—along with a colleague—was seen casually drinking from Styrofoam cups, which gave him little reassurance about his situation.
Furthermore, he referenced the players’ sentiments towards their training staff, indicating that Chiefs players graded their medical team an F in the NFL Players Association’s team-by-team report cards released in February. “I understand how Kansas City — the players — have given that training room an F because with my experience I would have probably after that given them an F, too,” he remarked, underscoring a shared sentiment among players regarding their care.
In the same report, the Chiefs ranked 31st overall in the medical staff evaluations, just above the Washington Commanders, while the Ravens scored a B- and were positioned 15th overall.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh addressed the situation in a press conference on Wednesday, noting that Van Noy had not directly communicated his concerns to him but had heard about the linebacker’s comments. “I don’t know what happened or didn’t happen. I have respect for everybody involved,” Harbaugh stated. He continued, “I have respect for medical people everywhere in the league, of course. Our place, Kansas City, every place in the league I have respect for. I have the utmost respect for the players, certainly Kyle Van Noy. He’s my guy. I love him. This is one of these guys who competes and fights and does everything he can to be the best player he can.”
As a seasoned veteran playing in his 11th NFL season, Van Noy clarified that he was not seeking an official response from the Chiefs but felt compelled to share his disappointment regarding how the situation was managed. “As a player, people have that expectation of you being professional, handling business. In a time of need, I wanted that from them, and I felt like I didn’t get it,” he explained. He also pondered whether the delay in their response was influenced by his status as a Ravens player, stating, “I don’t think it was that, but at the same time I don’t want them to come out and apologize.”
After the situation gained media attention, Van Noy was approached by reporters in the Baltimore locker room, but he opted to refrain from further comments. A spokesperson for the Chiefs confirmed that the team would not provide any official statement on the matter.
Required reading
- NFL players graded their clubs. Here’s your team’s GPA
- NFLPA player survey: Dolphins, Vikings, Packers voted top 3 in overall grades, Commanders worst
(Photo: Chris Unger / Getty Images)
