Legendary Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin revealed this month that his wife, Sandy, is dealing with Alzheimer’s disease.
Irvin’s wife has been battling early onset Alzheimers for five or six years. He spoke to Clarence E. Hill of the Star-Telegram about this heartbreaking situation.
Since Sandy Irvin has trouble walking and speaking, she needs 24-hour care. That being said, the Hall of Famer doesn’t plan on putting his wife in a home.
“If anyone has earned the right to stay in her house, MY WIFE HAS!!!,” Irvin wrote in a text to the Star-Telegram. “That I shall honor. No matter what it takes.”
After this diagnosis was made public, NFL fans rushed to social media to send their support and well wishes to the Irvin family.
“I fear Alzheimer’s more than I fear cancer….Prayers for 88 & family members,” one fan wrote.
Another fan said, “My heart goes out to him, in all ways.”
“God bless you Mrs. Irvin and Michael,” a third fan said. “I know firsthand the horrible nature of this disease. When my dad died from Alzheimer’s- at the end- he didn’t even know who I was. Praying for all the families dealing with this horrible horrible disease.”
Michael and Sandy got married in 1990. They’ll celebrate their 34th anniversary later this month.
Our thoughts are with the Irvin family.
Related: Michael Irvin Shares Tragic Diagnosis For His Longtime Wife, Sandy