NFL Owner Jim Isray Breaks Silence Following Suspected Overdose
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on February 6, 2024 at 8:02 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts team owner Jim Isray is breaking his silence following the suspected overdose that occurred in December 2023.
As The Blast previously reported, the 64-year-old was found unconscious in his home on December 8, and police were dispatched around 4:30 a.m. When police arrived, they found Isray unresponsive.
He is suspected to have overdosed as a police officer administered a dose of Narcan -- a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
For the first time since the incident, Isray is speaking out, addressing his current medical state.
Jim Isray Says He Is 'On The Mend' Following Suspected OD
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Two months after Isray was found unresponsive in his home, the NFL team owner is breaking his silence.
"On the mend. Grateful for all the messages of love and support," he simply wrote in a message posted to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Isray was hospitalized following the incident, though it is unclear whether he has been released. While other team staffers have access to Irsay's social media accounts, a source told ESPN that the message posted on Tuesday, February 6 came from the NFL owner himself.
Although he did not say exactly what led to the December incident, many of Isray's fans were happy to hear from the NFL owner, as he had not been heard from or seen publicly since the incident.
"The man the myth the legend is back!" one of his fans replied to Isray's post.
Another said, "Good to hear! Hopefully you got the help you need."
We love you Jim!! pic.twitter.com/qEfWTwakxt
— AK ⛈ (@aklee_dpt) February 6, 2024
Jim Isray has struggled with alcohol and drug addiction for most of his life, even going to rehab at least 15 times throughout the years. One time, he had a near-fatal incident, which he opened up to Andrea Kremer for HBO’s ‘Real Sports’ about a few years ago:
“One time, I was trying to detox myself, and I mixed multiple drugs that I didn’t know anything about. 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.'”
Jim Isray Found Unresponsive In His Home Last December
Today is gameday but more importantly..World Suicide Prevention Day..it’s ok to lean on others..ask for help..we will overcome this STIGMA. 💪 #KickingtheStigma pic.twitter.com/9bBicjV5Lu
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) September 10, 2023
In 2014, he was arrested for operating a vehicle while under the influence and had his license suspended for one year. Police also found $29,029 in cash, most of which was stashed inside a briefcase and a laundry bag. When searching the vehicle, officers found multiple prescription drugs.
The initial police report from the December incident stated, “At this time, it is unknown what Mr. Irsay had ingested prior to our arrival,” but they did refer to the incident as “overdose” and “overdose/poisoning.” A responding police officer also administered a dose of Narcan -- a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
However, it is still unclear if Isray overdosed in December, or if he experienced a different medical emergency.