Patriots' Mac Jones offers prayers for Mike Leach at start of press conference

close

Video

Fox News Flash top sports headlines for December 12

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on foxnews.1eye.us.

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones started his postgame press conference on Monday night after the team’s win over the Arizona Cardinals offering his thoughts and prayers to Mike Leach.

Mississippi State said Leach was in critical condition after suffering a "personal health issue" on Sunday. Jones played at Alabama for Nick Saban.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON foxnews.1eye.us

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, #10, looks to pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

"First, I want to make an opening statement. I want to send my thoughts and prayers to coach Leach and his family," Jones said. "He offered me a scholarship at Washington State and didn’t meet him but talked to him over the phone. I’m just prayers to his family with everything that is going on."

Mississippi State offered a new statement on Leach's condition earlier Monday.

"Mississippi State University head football coach Mike Leach remains in critical condition at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson," the school said Monday. "Mike’s family is with him and appreciates the overwhelming expressions of love and support for the coach, but also requests that their family’s privacy be respected at this time."

MIKE LEACH'S EPIC RANTS AND CLEVER QUIPS REMEMBERED AS MISSISSIPPI STATE COACH BATTLES HEALTH ISSUE

Mac Jones, #10 of the New England Patriots, takes the field with his teammates prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Norm Hall/Getty Images)

"That is the extent of information that MSU has available regarding coach Leach’s condition, and the university will make no other comment at this time. MSU will issue additional information via social media when it becomes available," the statement continued.

A report from the Clarion Ledger revealed details about Leach.

The 61-year-old football coach had a massive heart attack at his home and did not receive medical attention for between 10-15 minutes, according to the outlet. Medical personnel who arrived reportedly used a defibrillator machine and shocked his heart back to normal rhythm.

Sources told the paper the situation is "dire" and the coach may have suffered seizures and potential brain damage due to the incident.

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban shakes hands with Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Mike Leach prior to their match at Davis Wade Stadium on Oct. 16, 2021 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Michael Chang/Getty Images)

Sid Salter, the chief communication officer at Mississippi State, told WLBT-TV that premature rumors of Leach’s death "should be ignored."

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"Coach Leach is a fighter, and he is battling," Salter told the station.