Indianapolis Colts principal owner, chairman and CEO Jim Irsay says he is recovering well from a recent leg surgery, according to Colts reporter Mike Chappell.
Irsay might be released within the next few days, according to the report. This comes just hours after it was announced that Indianapolis Colts legend Dwight Freeney asked Jim Irsay to be his Hall of Fame presenter.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has had major health concerns for all of 2024
Irsay was initially hospitalized in early January for respiratory illness, but this stay seems to be unrelated. The leg surgery, which was necessary for mobility purposes, was reportedly one of 26 recent surgeries, according to an article from Fox 59.
He revealed it was the latest in “26 surgeries over the last seven years.’’
“I’m getting out of the hospital in a couple of days, maybe by Monday,’’ Irsay said. “You just have to have patience. It’s going to take some rehab, which I’ve already been doing to get me going. Just gotta get my strength and mobility back.
“Everything else is going great.’’
Officers and paramedics responded to a call at his house in early December when they documented an “overdose” as the reason they responded to the call.
The team referred to the ensuing hospitalization as the result of a “severe respiratory illness,” but respected the privacy of Irsay and his family over the past few months. Irsay dispelled some rumors in the same Fox 59 article.
“There’s always speculation and rumors that come out,’’ he said. “But really, it’s been a tough process. The (leg) procedure was a hard one.
“I’m thankful and blessed with where I am.’’
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay thanked fans for their support
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay shared how thankful he was for the support he received from his fans in his conversation with Colts reporter Mike Chappell.
Just had a nice talk with Jim Irsay. In hospital following leg surgery. Might be released in a few days.
“I’m doing great. I’ve appreciated all of the prayers and concerns. It’s a long road and you have to be patient. The great news is everything is going well.’’— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) March 8, 2024
Fans continue to support Irsay, who was named the general manager of the Colts in 1984 at 24-years-old, via social media. Many say the fact that he has been asked to be a Hall of Fame presenter speaks to his character.
Sending all the good vibes and continued prayers for healing, Mr. Irsay, @JimIrsay💙🙏🏻 https://t.co/nhAwozcYjX
— 2023 Colts Fan of the Year💙🤍🐴🏈 (@johnson_maren) March 8, 2024
NEVER let anyone tell you otherwise about the character of Jim Irsay https://t.co/vVdQZJKedl
— ColtsFanCole (@ColtsFanCole) March 8, 2024
Jim Irsay is awesome. All other opinions are wrong. https://t.co/agClnaR4HK
— Cody Felger (@CPFelger55) March 8, 2024
Whether Irsay will attend the NFL owners meeting in Orlando, Fla. in late March is unknown, as Irsay said in the same Fox 59 article.
“I’ll talk to my doctor and see,’’ he said. “It’s possible I might take a pass.
“As you get older, you’ve got to put your health first . . . I treasure every year.’’
Irsay is still involved with the daily operations of the Colts.
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