Jarome Iginla Faces Neurological Health Battle Linked to Cobalt Hip Replacement
For more than 1,600 NHL games, Jarome Iginla absorbed the physical toll of professional hockey, playing through broken bones, bruises, and playoff wars. Now, the 49-year-old Hockey Hall of Famer is confronting a different kind of challenge away from the rink. Iginla is battling ongoing health issues, including neurological complications that he suspects may stem from metal toxins related to a cobalt hip replacement he received following his retirement.
Speaking from his home in Lake Country, B.C., Iginla opened up about the ordeal. “Unfortunately I have been battling some health issues,” Iginla said. “Some neurological issues. I’m not entirely sure what it is, it may be from metal toxins from reaction to the cobalt hip.”
The complications have affected Iginla’s everyday life, and he confirmed that his energy, weight, and speech have all been altered in the aftermath. Iginla also told Francis that he had high mercury levels in his body.
Despite spending over a year consulting doctors and undergoing tests, Iginla remains positive about his recovery. “I need more time to figure it all out, but I’m still hopeful that I will recover fully,” he said, adding, “Things are slowly getting under control, thanks be to God.”
Flames Fans React to Unseen Footage and Health Revelations
The health battle came to light after fans noticed a change in Iginla’s appearance and voice in recent media appearances. A clip from Amazon Prime’s documentary Hometown Giants
—filmed around the time of the NHL Draft in June—showed Iginla looking and sounding rather unwell. The documentary, spearheaded by Vancouver Giants owners Michael Buble and Drew Scott, follows the recent story of the WHL franchise and includes Iginla’s son Joe.
Is Jarome Iginla okay? Saw this clip from Hometown Giants and couldn't help it notice a change in his voice. Not sure when this was filmed. pic.twitter.com/zaQB9QlRxQ
The footage sparked immediate concern and discussion online among hockey fans before Iginla addressed his condition publicly. Iginla’s deep ties to Calgary remain strong. During his 16 seasons in Calgary, he set club records for games played (1,219), goals (525), and points (1,095). He famously dragged the Flames to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in 2004 and had his jersey retired by the organization in 2019.
Since retiring in 2018, Iginla has kept a relatively low profile, focusing on supporting his children’s hockey careers. Two of his children, Tij and Jade, have turned professional, while Joe was selected by the Calgary Flames in the summer. Iginla also returned to the organization in an official capacity in 2023 as special advisor to general manager Craig Conroy.
As doctors continue to investigate his symptoms, Iginla asks for time and patience. “Still working through it, but I’m hopeful,” the Edmonton native said.
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