Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay witnessed the end of his squad’s 2023 season with a Week 18 loss to the Houston Texans. If the Colts had won that game, they would have secured a playoff berth. However, their season just dashed with a 9-8 record.
The Colts have another setback, as they have been operating without Irsay’s involvement. The veteran had not previously felt well enough to be actively involved in team activities. Though it is still unclear when he will return to his duties, he has recently shed light on his health update.
Jim Irsay is grateful for all the support
Jim Irsay recently broke his silence on social media after weeks of absence. In a message posted on Tuesday, he expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support he received during his recovery from a severe respiratory illness. This message marked his first public communication in nearly a month.
“On the mend. Grateful for all the messages of love and support,” he wrote in his X account with a love emoji.
Despite his prolonged absence, Irsay’s social media account remained active, with occasional messages posted by team staffers. However, sources close to the situation confirmed that Tuesday’s message was personally sent by the vet himself, via USA Today.
The Colts team earlier refrained from providing detailed updates on his health, respecting his privacy during his recovery process. Meanwhile, they assured fans that the owner, who sees Tom Brady as an alien, was receiving excellent care and was eager to return to his usual activities.
Jim Irsay had been actively engaged on social media throughout the football season. He often shared his thoughts on the Colts’ performances, including the Colts’ Week 7 loss. Unfortunately, his illness forced him to step back from his passionate act. A scheduled performance with his band in Los Angeles also had to be canceled due to his health condition.
What is the reason behind Jim Irsay’s illness?
Jim Irsay was found unresponsive in his Indiana home, sparking concerns about his health and well-being. The incident occurred on December 8th in his Indiana home around 4:30 a.m.
According to reports from Carmel Police, the veteran experienced a fall in the bathroom. He was later transferred to his bed, where it was observed that he felt cool to the touch and was displaying agonal breathing. There was a small improvement as Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, was administered. There was a small response from Irsay before he was taken to a hospital for further treatment.
The exact substance that the Colts owner ingested prior to the incident is still unknown. However, police list his condition as “impaired/drugs.” This incident is not an isolated one, as he has a history of addiction. In a November interview with HBO Sports, the vet revealed having undergone rehab numerous times.
Jim Irsay also disclosed a near-fatal experience from several years ago, where he had to be revived after going “code blue.” His struggles with addiction have been well documented to reflect a recurring and serious issue that has affected his personal and professional life. In fact, he even threatened legal action against ESPN personalities over remarks made about his personal struggles.
