Glazer: Fox to Miss Four to Six Weeks

Fox Sports Jay Glazer just tweeted a series of tweets, quoting Denver Broncos head coach John Fox who said amongst other things that he would remain hospitalized for two weeks and would not be able to coach for up to the next month and a half.

Glazer goes on to state that Fox was scheduled to have this procedure in the 2012 offseason, but did not. He flew to Charlotte to meet with the surgeon about a February procedure.

"It's something [that] I've known I needed to take care of for a while. It's ironic [that] this happened when I came to meet with the surgeon. I was hoping to wait but it's better to be smart about this," Fox told Glazer during their call.

Glazer went on to explain on behalf of Fox that this procedure was something that the coach knew that he would one day need, but it deteriorated faster than they feared.

Fox through the Broncos has released this official statement:

“I sincerely appreciate all of the support from friends, Denver Broncos fans and so many around the league today.

“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. 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 team has released the following statement:

“Denver Broncos Head Coach John Fox will undergo an aortic heart valve replacement early next week at a Charlotte-area hospital. He will take a leave of absence from coaching for at least the next several weeks.

“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.

“Coach Fox was advised by doctors months ago that his defective aortic valve would require this procedure following the 2013 season. 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.

“On Saturday, Coach Fox began feeling light-headed while golfing with friends. He was taken to a hospital, where testing revealed he needed to have this procedure as soon as possible.

“The club will announce its interim head coach as soon as that decision is finalized.”

Although Fox will be away from the team, he says that he will remain involved. Fox is still determining the interim head coach, but our money is on Jack Del Rio.

We wish the Fox family the best.