NFL icon Michael Irvin, who was a former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, has opened up about his wife, Sandy Harrell, and the challenges he faces caring for her. She was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Michael Irvin Reveals Wifeâs Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Irvin and Harrell have been married since 1990, but âabout ten years ago,â she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Irvin has taken on the role of carer for his beloved wife, but it has not been without its challenges, which he discussed in an honest interview with Shannon Sharpe on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast on Wednesday, September 3.
“We recognize some things were going wrong with her about ten years ago, actually,â Irvin shared of his wife.
He continued, âReally, we thought it was menopause, and you know, you go through it and start going to the doctor. I buried my mom. She had Alzheimer’s. My mother-in-law was living with us because she had Alzheimer’s. And we were taking care of her. And now we thought my wife was going through menopause at 49 because she’s coming at 50.”
The family sought medical intervention to help determine what Harrell was dealing with when they learned, after a “year and a half of testing,” that she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. âSo, we had been dealing with this eight, nine years, you know, going back and forth. And⦠it’s been, what’s difficult is, it’s quite hard to take care of someone 24 hours a day.â
The Challenges They Face
Irvin still has a busy life and works as a sports commentator. He is not able to be by his wifeâs side all the time, and when he is away, a nurse takes care of Harrell. âI have to keep a 24-hour nurse with her all the time,â he said. It can also be challenging to deal with someone who has Alzheimer’s, and Irvin reveals his wife can get physical.
âShe hit you. They take that nurse out, send another nurse, and they put more charges on,â he said.
Despite the challenging conditions that Irvin faces with his wifeâs care, he is dedicated to ensuring that she remains cared for and comforted in her own home and not in an assisted living facility. âBut she, if anybody, has earned the right to be in her home. You know what I mean?â Irvin said. âNo matter what, she will be in her home.â
Fans showed support for Irvin in the comment section of the YouTube post where the interview was shared. “Boy I didnât know I was this much a fan of Michael Irvin. I love this dude,” a comment reads. “Michael Irvin the king of interviews I love it,” another person shared.
A Glimpse at Michael Irvinâs Family Life
The couple also shares three children, Elijah Irvin, Chelsea Irvin, and Michael Irvin Jr. The retired footballer is a proud dad and grandfather, and on rare occasions, gives fans a glimpse into his family life.
On September 6, he posted adorable photos on Instagram of himself and his granddaughter from a grandparents’ event he attended at her school.
âLunch today with my beautiful granddaughter Brooklynn on Grandparents Day,â he wrote in the caption. Fans reacted to the post with love. âMy heart just smiled! Needed this,â a comment reads. âThat’s awesome Mike! She’s growing up!â another person shared.
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