Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens has embarked on a significant journey to Colombia, aiming to finally resolve his persistent back problem through a series of advanced medical treatments. Jurgens, who stepped up to fill the shoes of retired legend Jason Kelce and helped the Eagles secure a Super Bowl victory in 2024, has been battling this injury for over a year.
Injury Timeline and Contract Extension
Just nine days after the Eagles' decisive win over the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans, Jurgens underwent surgery to address nerve pain in his back. Despite this procedure, the 26-year-old continued to struggle throughout the 2025 season, noticeably underperforming compared to his usual standards. In a show of faith, the Eagles organization rewarded him with a lucrative four-year contract extension worth $68 million shortly after the surgery, but his recovery has been slower than anticipated.
Journey to Medellin for Cutting-Edge Treatments
With a full offseason ahead, Jurgens traveled nearly 2,500 miles to Medellin, Colombia, this month to undergo stem cell, cryotherapy, and ozone therapy treatments. These therapies are provided by bioXcellerator, a company with a treatment center in Colombia due to stringent regulations in the United States. On social media, Jurgens shared a video of his experience, expressing optimism: 'We got 70 million stem cells here about to go in. I’m excited to get healthy and get ready for this next season so that’s why I’m down here.' He added, 'I’m excited for the healing and getting better. The experience down here has been incredible.'
Regulatory Challenges and Treatment Details
In the United States, stem-cell treatments are highly regulated by the FDA, with approvals limited to specific conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, and immune system disorders. This has led bioXcellerator to base its primary operations in Colombia, where such therapies are more accessible. Jurgens was also photographed signing 'Go Birds' on an IV bag containing the stem cells used in his treatment, highlighting his commitment to the Eagles community.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Jurgens hopes these treatments will fully heal his back, allowing him to return to peak form for the crucial 2026 season. The Eagles, now former champions, face a transitional period with changes in coaching staff. Chris Kuper is set to take over as the new offensive line coach, replacing Jeff Stoutland after his 13-year tenure with the team. As a former second-round draft pick, Jurgens' recovery is pivotal for the Eagles' offensive line stability and overall performance in the upcoming season.
