NFL legend-turned-sports commentator Michael Irvin has recently confessed that he is terrified and asked for prayers as he awaits medical test results for a life-threatening health issue.
We all know how it feels to be afraid, and so does Irvin, who although admits to conquering fear at a young age, is now faced with the possibility of a health condition that holds unpleasant memories for him.
THE GENESIS OF THE PROBLEM
In a lengthy Instagram post on March 26, the legendary “Dallas Cowboys” alum revealed that he spent two days at the UCLA medical center in Los Angeles undergoing a throat biopsy.
According to Irvin, the procedure became necessary after losing his voice during this past football season when he cheered a Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints game.
“This past football season after the @dallascowboys beat the @Saints I was so elated and hyped I lost my voice and the problem persisted for almost 2months. After visiting some of the best throat Doctors they thought it to be wise to take a deeper look at the situation. So we schedule and performed a throat biopsy.”
THE FEARLESS ALSO FEAR
Irvin’s fear of the procedure is rooted in a phobia for throat cancer, the same disease that led to his father’s untimely death.
“To give [a] background, I share with you that I [lost] my father at the young age of 51. He had throat cancer,” the athlete continued. “This daemon has chased and vexed me deep in my spirit all my life. So saying I am afraid this time is a big big understatement. I AM TERRIFIED!!”
Besides his father, Irvin, 53, also lost his brother, Vaughn, to stomach cancer in 2006, and even though the NFL star admits to being fearless, his present situation hits too close to home.
“Growing up in the ghetto of Ft Lauderdale the one thing you have to conquer to get out is FEAR. I did! As a football player the no fear gift served me well as a blessing and an asset on the field but sometimes off the field it’s been a curse and a liability.”
MAN OF FAITH
“My Faith tells me whenever you face great fear you go to your greatness power. Mine is God,” Irvin relayed before asking for prayers. “I am asking all who will. Could you please send up a prayer to help my family and I deal with whatever the results may be?”
Friends and well-wishers, including his former “Cowboys” colleagues, trooped to the Pro Football Hall of Famer’s comment section with prayers and kind words.
PRAYERS ALREADY COMING IN
“Lots of love and support for you Irv,” wrote famed quarterback Troy Aikman. “Sending prayers my man!”
“We have, and we will continue to [pray] for you and your family brother,” famed running back Emmitt Smith, added.
Sports journalist, Rich Eisen, also chimed in:
“Nothing but love and prayers for my receiver. You sounded great today, Irv, and know this is all going to be OK.”
Irvin’s illustrious career spanned 12 years during which he made five Pro Bowls and won three Super Bowls.
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