“Unfortunately I have been battling some health issues”: NHL legend Jarome Iginla shares concerning update on his neurological condition

Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla has revealed that he is dealing with neurological health issues that may be connected to metal toxins from a previous cobalt hip replacement. The former Calgary Flames captain, 49, says doctors are still working to identify the cause, but he remains hopeful about making a full recovery.In an interview with Sportsnet’s Eric Francis, Iginla discussed the symptoms and ongoing medical investigations. He said his condition is gradually coming under control, although he needs more time to understand the complications and determine the next steps.Details on Jarome Iginla's neurological health battle after Calgary Flames careerIginla has been experiencing neurological problems and other health complications, with the possible involvement of metal toxins from his cobalt hip replacement still under investigation. The 49-year-old has not received a confirmed diagnosis explaining the issues.Speaking to Sportsnet’s Eric Francis, Iginla said he was unsure whether the symptoms were connected to his artificial hip. He explained that he had been dealing with the problems for an extended period and needed additional time to understand their cause.According to Francis’ report, complications following the hip replacement and medications have affected Iginla’s energy, weight, and speech. He has also been dealing with elevated mercury levels and is working to bring them down while doctors investigate whether the issues are connected.Iginla has spent more than a year undergoing medical tests and consulting healthcare professionals. Despite the uncertainty, he offered an encouraging update, saying that he remained hopeful about recovering fully and that his condition was gradually coming under control.Could Iginla’s cobalt hip replacement be connected?Iginla suspects that metal toxins from a reaction involving the cobalt in his replacement hip could be contributing to his neurological problems. However, he has not confirmed that cobalt exposure is the cause, and medical investigations are ongoing.Some artificial hip implants use cobalt-chromium components. Sportsnet highlighted this medical concern in its report, but it does not establish that Iginla has confirmed cobalt poisoning.The former Calgary Flames captain is also monitoring his elevated mercury levels. Whether those levels are related to the suspected implant complications remains unclear.His comments underline the uncertainty surrounding his condition. Rather than announcing a definitive diagnosis, Iginla has acknowledged that more testing and medical consultations are needed before the underlying cause can be established.How did Jarome Iginla shape the Calgary Flames’ legacy?Iginla spent 16 seasons in a Flames uniform and became one of the most impactful players in franchise history. In 1,219 regular-season games, he finished his Calgary career with 525 goals and 1,095 points and is still the organization's all-time leader in both categories.His coming-of-age moment with the franchise came in the 2004 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Iginla helped guide Calgary to the Stanley Cup Final, where the Flames ultimately lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games. His play in that stretch is an important part of franchise history.Since retiring, Iginla has spent a lot of time with his family and stayed involved in hockey through his children’s careers. His son Tij went sixth overall to the Utah Mammoth in the 2024 NHL Draft, and his son Joe was taken by the Calgary Flames in 2026. His daughter, Jade, also has a career in professional hockey.His work with the Flames has kept him connected to the organization where he built his legacy. But his latest health update has shifted the spotlight to his personal recovery.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.