NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin’s wife, Sandy, has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Tuesday.
Sandy, 58, reportedly has been diagnosed with the disease for five to six years, and she has “trouble” walking, per the report.
She has a live-in caretaker since she needs around-the-clock attention.
Irvin told the paper he does not plan to put his wife in a nursing home, and he’s asking for prayers for his family.
“If anyone has earned the right to stay in her house, MY WIFE HAS!!!” Michael told the outlet in a text. “That I shall honor. No matter what it takes.”
The couple has reportedly been married for 34 years and has been together for 39 years, having met while attending the University of Miami (Fla.).
Irvin starred for the Hurricanes before producing a legendary 12-year career with the Cowboys, which included 750 receptions for 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns.
The 58-year-old told the paper of his wife’s condition in connection with the opening of his new restaurant, Playmakers88, in Texas.
Sandy, he said, loves the wings from his chef, who previously worked for another restaurant.
“When I’m working and she is a very finicky eater,” Irvin, who appears on FS1’s “Undisputed,” said to the publication. “And I’m on the road, she would always call me and say baby, ‘I’m hungry.’ I’m literally on the show. In the breaks, I would call and say ‘My wife just called, get her some chicken to the house.’
“She would only eat the wings from here. No other wings.”
That restaurant disbanded, paving the way for Playmakers88.
“The Bible says, if you suffer with you suffer with me you shall reign with me,” Irvin said. “Those guys were with me in the hard times. Let me step and try to reciprocate that kind of relationship.”