NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin’s wife, Sandy, has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Tuesday..
According to reports, 58-year-old Sandy was diagnosed with the disease five or six years ago and has “difficulty” walking.
She needs round-the-clock care so has a live-in carer.
Irving told the newspaper he has no plans to put his wife in a nursing home and asked people to pray for his family.
“If anyone has earned the right to stay in their home it’s my wife!!!” Michael told the outlet in a text message. “I will respect that. No matter what.”
The couple reportedly met while attending the University of Miami in Florida and have been married for 34 years and together for 39 years.
After his time with the Hurricanes, Irvin went on to have a legendary 12-year career with the Cowboys, recording 750 receptions for 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns.
The 58-year-old spoke to the paper about his wife’s condition in connection with the opening of his new restaurant, Playmaker’s 88, in Texas.
Sandy said her favorite food is the wings made by a chef who previously worked at another restaurant.
“When I’m working, she’s very picky,” Irvin, who stars in FS1’s “Undisputed,” told the magazine. “When I’m on the road, she’s always calling me and saying, ‘I’m hungry.’ I’m literally on the show, and she’s calling me during my break and saying, ‘My wife called, send me some chicken.'”
“She only eats the wings here. She won’t eat any other wings.”
That restaurant closed down, making way for Playmakers88.
“The Bible says, if you suffer with me, you will reign with me,” Ervin said. “They’ve been with me through difficult times, and I want to step up and try to repay that relationship.”
