Jarome Iginla, 49, told Sportsnet's Eric Francis he is battling health issues, including neurological problems. He suggested they may stem from a reaction to his cobalt hip. He said things are slowly getting under control and he is hopeful of a full recovery.
Jarome Iginla revealed on Tuesday that he is battling health issues. The 49-year-old told Sportsnet's Eric Francis that he is battling some health issues, including neurological issues. He said he is not entirely sure what they are.
Possible link to hip replacement
Iginla had hip replacement surgery a few years ago and experienced complications afterward. He said the cause may be metal toxins from a reaction to the cobalt hip, though he is not entirely sure. He also told Francis he had high mercury levels in his body.
The medications that followed the complications have reportedly affected his energy, weight and speech.
Testing and outlook
Iginla said he has spent more than a year undergoing tests and consulting medical professionals to learn what is happening and how it can be treated. He said things are slowly getting under control and that he is still working through it. He said he needs more time to figure it out but is hopeful he will eventually recover fully.
Career and current role
Iginla spent 16 seasons in Calgary and is the Flames' all-time leader in games played (1,219), goals (525) and points (1,095). Across his NHL career he played 1,554 regular-season games and posted 625 goals and 1,300 points. He retired after the 2017-18 season and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020. He currently serves as a special advisor to Flames general manager Craig Conroy.
His son Joe Iginla was selected by the Flames in the 2026 NHL Draft. Joe currently plays for the WHL's Vancouver Giants, who are owned by Michael Buble and Drew Scott and are followed in Amazon Prime's documentary "Hometown Giants." Jarome Iginla appeared in that documentary.
