Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has disputed a police report that suggested he overdosed in December 2023. Irsay told Fox59 that he was not overdosing but rather undergoing treatment for a leg injury that had developed a serious hematoma. He has since undergone major surgery for a back/leg injury, which hospitalized him for some time.
Irsay acknowledged that rumors have circulated about his health following a series of events in December and January. Police were called to his Carmel, Ind., home after he was found unconscious on his bathroom floor with blue skin. Irsay had a weak pulse, constricted pupils, and was having breathing issues when the police arrived. He responded slightly after one dose of Narcan and was later taken to the hospital. The police report labeled the situation as an overdose and “overdose/poisoning.”
Roughly one month later, the Colts announced that Irsay missed a scheduled show for his band due to a “severe respiratory illness.” Irsay provided an update in February when he tweeted he was “on the mend”.
Irsay told Fox59 that he was actually “treating a leg injury” that had developed what the outlet called a “serious hematoma.” He has since undergone “major” surgery for a back/leg injury, which hospitalized him for some time.
“I know what the situation is,” Irsay told the outlet. “It’s not a situation like that. I’ve had 27 surgeries in the last seven or eight years. No one ever wants to talk about that.”
Irsay criticized the police for using the term “overdose” in the report. He said it was “unfortunate” because they did not have all the information when they checked him into the hospital.
“It wasn’t an overdose. The bottom line was the leg needed to be taken care of immediately,” Irsay said. “When you have the severe pain on different parts of your body, it’s not the easiest thing to manage.”
Irsay assured fans that he remains in control of the Colts franchise despite his health issues. He will not attend the 2024 NFL Draft in person following his surgery but is confident in the team’s future.
“I want to let the fans and Colts Nation know that I’m in good shape and … I have my hands on the reins (of the franchise) in a strong way,” Irsay said. “I see a Colts team coming back with prime ammo. It’s really exciting to see what can be done this year.”
