Colts owner Jim Irsay makes first public statement after ‘severe’ illness
Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, made his first remarks regarding his health in public on social media on Tuesday since January.
Irsay was receiving treatment for what the Colts described as a “severe respiratory illness,” as of January 9.
He wrote, “On the mend,” on X. “Grateful for all the messages of love and support.”
In the statement, the Colts requested privacy and emphasized that he was getting “excellent care” for his ailment.
Even though the Colts brought up the respiratory condition, several outlets reportedly uncovered a police report indicating that Irsay’s December 2012 comatose state was the result of a “suspected overdose.”
On December 8, at approximately 4:30 a.m. ET, first responders were summoned to Irsay’s residence in Carmel, Indiana, according to police records cited by TMZ Sports.
JIM IRSAY, 64, THE OWNER OF COLTS, IS RECEIVING TREATMENT FOR A “SEVERE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS”
After being given Narcan because he was having trouble breathing, Irsay “responded slightly,” according to TMZ Sports.
In an interview with Andrea Kremer for “Real Sports” in November, the millionaire claimed to have visited a rehabilitation center “at least 15 times.” He also mentioned a near-death situation that gave him an epiphany.
“One time, I was trying to detox myself, and I mixed multiple drugs that I didn’t know anything about,” he explained. “So all of a sudden, I start slurring my words. And then code blue, I stop breathing. And they revive me and the doctor goes, ‘Jim, you’re one lucky man because I had virtually signed the death certificate.’”
It’s no secret Irsay has dealt with addiction struggles. In 2014, he checked himself into rehab after being arrested and charged with driving under the influence as well as four felony counts of possession of a controlled substance.
Police revealed Irsay had various prescription drugs in his possession during the arrest as well as more than $29,000 in cash when he was pulled over.
Irsay, who has been the Colts executive since 1984 when his father, Robert, was the team’s owner, had his license suspended for a year after refusing a blood test. He did, however, have his felony charges dismissed by prosecutors after pleading guilty to DUI.
