Renowned NFL legend Michael Irvin has been making headlines once again, but this time it’s not for his impressive career on the field. It’s for his unwavering love and devotion to his wife, Sandy Harrell, who has been quietly battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Michael Irvin, who is best known for his time playing as a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, married Sandy Harrell in 1990. The couple has been together for over 30 years and share three children: Michael Jr., Elijah, and Chelsea. Despite his busy NFL career, Irvin has always made family a priority.
Recently, Irvin revealed to the Forth Worth Star-Telegram that his wife has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and has been struggling with it for the past five or six years. In a heartfelt statement, Irvin expressed his commitment to caring for his wife, refusing to put her in a nursing home and instead opting to hire a 24-hour live-in caretaker.
“If anyone has earned the right to stay in her house, MY WIFE HAS!!!” Irvin declared. “That I shall honor. No matter what it takes.”
The couple’s love story began shortly after Irvin was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1988, and Harrell could often be seen supporting her husband on the sidelines throughout his career.
Despite preferring to keep her personal life private and staying out of the media spotlight, Harrell has been a constant source of support for Irvin throughout their decades-long marriage.
