Colts Owner Jim Irsay’s Health Struggles Deepen: Hear His Message to Fans in Emotional Video
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay made his first on-camera appearance since dealing with recent health challenges, which reportedly included significant lower back and leg surgeries over the past few months. The 64-year-old recorded a brief message for X ahead of his participation in former Colts star Dwight Freeney’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Freeney selected Irsay as his honorary presenter for the ceremony scheduled on August 3rd at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
While details about Irsay’s health concerns have been mostly private, he has previously acknowledged to local media his rehabilitation from major back and leg procedures. Reports also surfaced of Irsay being found unresponsive at his residence in December of the previous year.
#Colts owner Jim Irsay in his first on-camera comments in months:
“Colts fans, we are fired up for training camp and very fired up since it is our 40th (year) in Indy and extremely fired up for Dwight Freeney, inducting him into the NFL Hall of Fame!”
Seems to be doing better. https://t.co/1SOz1rBCdI
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) June 12, 2024
During late April’s NFL Draft, Irsay was absent from the team headquarters but remained engaged in the draft process virtually. Despite his health challenges, Colts general manager Chris Ballard indicated that Irsay continues to participate in the franchise’s day-to-day operations.
There are signs that Irsay’s health is improving, potentially paving the way for his increased involvement with the team in-person as they head into training camp and the 2024 season. This development signals a positive turn for the Colts organization moving forward.
