Charlotte: Denver Broncos coach John Fox will have an aortic heart valve replacement operation in the next few days and miss several weeks of the NFL season, the team said on Saturday.
Fox was hospitalised on Saturday after feeling light-headed while playing golf at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was taken to an area hospital, where he underwent medical tests.
While the information had been kept private, Fox had been planning for such a surgery after the season but the incident on Saturday forced doctors to advance that timetable.
“Although I am disappointed I must take some time away from the team to attend to this pre-existing health condition, I understand that it’s the right thing to do,” Fox said in a statement.
“I have great confidence in our coaches and players, who are fully committed to our goals.
“I look forward to returning to coaching as soon as possible.”
The Broncos, led by star quarterback Peyton Manning, are 7-1 at mid-season, the second-best record in the NFL to the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs. Denver had a bye this weekend, giving Fox the rare chance for weekend golf.
“Coach Fox was advised by doctors months ago that his defective aortic valve would require this procedure following the 2013 season,” the Broncos said in a statement. “As part of his trip to North Carolina over the bye week, he had a preoperative appointment on Thursday with his doctor, who informed him to seek medical attention immediately if he felt any discomfort.”
The club has not announced who will take over as interim coach in place of Fox. The Broncos go back to work on Monday morning for their next game on November 10 at San Diego.
Fox also figures to be absent for crucial games to follow for the Broncos, who will face the AFC West-division rival Chiefs on November 17 and December 1 and conference rival New England (6-2) on November 24.
But as friends and fans from around the league made clear on Saturday, Fox’s health is the priority.
“I sincerely appreciate all of the support from friends, Denver Broncos fans and so many around the league,” Fox said.
Fox spent nine seasons as coach of the Charlotte-based Carolina Panthers before being dumped after the 2011 season. He was hired by the Broncos in January of 2012 and guided Denver to a 13-3 record and a top play-off seeding during his first season.
A team spokesman said Fox did not have a heart attack and Fox himself said he was doing well after being hospitalised.
“He will take a leave of absence from coaching for at least the next several weeks,” the Broncos said in a statement. “Our focus at this time is coach Fox’s health and well-being. We extend our thoughts and well-wishes to him for a full and speedy recovery.”
