58 Year Old Denver Broncos Coach John Fox Taken to Charlotte, NC Hospital after Heart Issue on Golf Course … Update: Scheduled to Have Heart Valve Surguery Out for “Several Weeks”

58 year old Denver Broncos football head coach John Fox was taken to a Charlotte, NC hospital after feeling light headed while playing golf. It is being reported that although Fox did not have a heart attack, he does have a heart valve issue that is going to have to require surgery. USA Today is reporting that John Fox will have aortic heart valve replacement next week, which will keep him away from the team for “at least the next several weeks.” Several weeks, that is being rather generous. I cannot imagine that it will be more like at least 5-8 weeks.

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

“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.

Statement From The Denver Broncos:

“Denver Broncos Head Coach John Fox was taken to a Charlotte-area hospital after feeling light-headed while playing golf on Saturday.

“He is being held at the hospital for testing and further observation. Our medical staff is currently in contact with Coach Fox, his family and the doctors who are treating him.

Statement from John Fox via ESPN:

“I sincerely appreciate all of the support from friends, Denver Broncos fans and so many around the league today,” Fox said in a statement released by the team Saturday night. “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.”

Obviously, John Fox’s health is the primary concern. But when you are a NFL head coach of what many consider to be the best team in the AFC in the Denver Broncos and a front-runner to be in the Super Bowl, many wonder whether this will cause a problem for the Broncos march to the playoffs. The Broncos are currently 7-1 and one game behind the surprisingundefeated 8-0 Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. Will it have any effect, that is to be seen in the future.

UPDATE I: NFL Community Expresses Well Wishes for Fox on Twitter.