WESTFIELD, Ind. — Colts owner Jim Irsay made his first public appearance since last season on Sunday, riding onto the practice fields at Grand Park in a golf cart and meeting with the local media.
Irsay has been rehabilitating his body after a string of recent surgeries that began with a fall at his Carmel home, according to the owner.
He was found unresponsive at his home on Dec. 8 and hospitalized. In January, the Colts released a statement saying Irsay was dealing with a severe respiratory illness at the time.
Irsay told FOX59 that he’s had another surgery since that time, and he’s spent months rehabilitating his body, making Sunday’s training camp appearance a milestone for the owner.
“It’s great to see you guys, to hear the fans and be out here,” Irsay said. “I know, sometimes, what our players could go through, in terms of the rehab that I did. I’m feeling great. Trying to get this left leg stronger, which it will.”
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Irsay’s rehabilitation remains ongoing.
“It’s frustrating, because the left leg just doesn’t have the push-off yet that I need,” Irsay said. “I can stand up and those sort of things, but in terms of walking, it’s hard to say exactly how far I’m away from that, but I’m not far. God knows I’ve been working hard just to bring myself back, because man, it’s hard work. I’m just grateful. … I’m just thankful I have the type of injury I can heal up and get 100% again.”
Irsay has been in conversations with general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen throughout his physical ordeal, and he has been working hard to return to his normal public activity.
Next week, he will present former Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney for Freeney’s Hall of Fame induction, the third time he has performed the honor for a former Colt, adding incentive for a man who has been working hard to restore his healthy.
“We all relate, in life, to quality of life and enjoying our health,” Irsay said. “It’s always tough when you have a setback like that. I’ve had injuries through the years with my training for marathons and powerlifting and playing football, but this one feels good just to be back, feels real timely to be back. I’m just very thankful to be feeling better and being out here.”
