INDIANAPOLIS – Jim Irsay will remain deeply involved with this week’s NFL draft, but under different circumstances.
The Indianapolis Colts’ owner is rehabilitating from a significant surgery on his lower back, which has greatly limited his mobility and will keep him out of his normal position in the team’s draft war room. Irsay will remain connected with general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen virtually.
“The main thing is I’m just following my doctors’ orders and just making sure the bottom line is to get back to 100% and to do the things they say,’’ Irsay told ESPN. “I’m just being a good patient and trying to make sure I can get back sooner than later.
“I’ll get back on the golf course sooner than later.’’
Irsay, 64, has endured a difficult past five months with the surgery being the latest obstacle. In a phone interview with FOX59/CBS4 last month, he said at the time the procedure was on his right leg and he had “26 surgeries over the last seven years.’’
Irsay’s condition has been uncertain since Dec. 8 when Carmel police and paramedics were dispatched to his Carmel residence. They reportedly discovered him unresponsive, administered Narcan and documented the event as a suspected overdose.
In early January, the team announced Irsay was being treated for a “severe respiratory illness,’’ which resulted in the cancellation of a Jan. 11 Jim Irsay Collection concert in Los Angeles.
He has openly addressed his past addiction issues. Last month, Irsay declined to elaborate on his health situation.
“There’s always speculation and rumors that come out,’’ he told FOX59/CBS4. “But really, it’s been a tough process. The (surgery) was a hard one.’’
Irsay responded similarly to ESPN.
“I’ve had some episodes in my past,’’ he said. “It’s natural that people’s mind can run away and exaggerate.’’
Although he’ll be off-site as the draft unfolds inside the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, Irsay will wield his usual influence.
“I don’t really see it as any different for the draft,’’ he told ESPN. “We defer to Chris in the end . . . I’ve always kind of sat back and watched.’’
Irsay’s rehab had forced him to miss a pair of normal sessions with local media — at the owners meetings and during the draft.
His goal is to be cleared to handle his introduction duties for Dwight Freeney when the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 in enshrined Aug. 3.
Freeney is the third player to have Irsay introduce him for induction, following wide receiver Marvin Harrison and running back Edgerrin James.
“I’m honored and humbled,’’ Irsay told FOX59/CBS4. “It shows I’ve always had their backsides and represented them.
“A lot of it has to do with growing up with the players. They were like my brothers. We were such a close group. It’s just a blessing.’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.