Concerns Grow for ESPN’s Jeff Passan as Back Injury Sparks Prayers for Speedy Recovery
4 min read
Credit: ESPN
Jeff Passan, one of the most well-known and respected MLB journalists, was injured in a violent storm in Kansas City. The ESPN Insider, who is frequently active on Twitter, tweeted about his extended hiatus from the social networking site. On Monday, July 17, he tweeted a photograph of the fallen tree branch and joked that he meant to use it to make a baseball bat. Passan, 42, worked at Yahoo Sports for 13 years prior to joining ESPN in 2018. Passan’s busiest time of the year, as well as the start of free agency during the offseason, are presently competing with the impending MLB trade deadline on August 1. Thankfully, Passan will have the resources he needs to continue reporting even while recovering.
BREAKING: My back. pic.twitter.com/rC6UNoiwrq
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 17, 2023
On Monday, the ESPN MLB analyst announced on Twitter that he suffered a yardwork mishap and damaged his back. “I’m sorry I haven’t been posting lately,” Passan wrote. A giant tree limb decided to crush me when I was cleaning up after a major storm in Kansas City. The good news is that I can still move my arms, legs, and Twitter fingers. The terrible news is that I’ve shattered my back. The vertebral fracture will heal on its own. I’ll get better. I’m praying the discomfort goes away between now and the trade deadline, but painkiller-fueled tweets could be entertaining.” Passan continued by thanking ESPN and the medical personnel that assisted him.
This is the culprit.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 17, 2023
You can be damn sure I will be making a bat out of it. pic.twitter.com/WkR4XkGBIH
As ESPN Journalist Jeff Passan Suffers From A Severe Back Injury, Fans Hope For A Speedy Recovery
In addition to becoming one of the top news breakers in MLB media, ESPN baseball writer Jeff Passan’s presence on social media has helped grow the game to a larger audience. But, amid a weekend of MLB activity, Jeff Passan had been uncharacteristically silent in recent days. On Monday afternoon, the ESPN reporter turned to Twitter to reveal that he had fractured his back while cleaning up storm-related debris outside his Kansas City house. As stated by Passan, a massive tree limb fell on him and fractured his spine. Fortunately, Jeff Passan hopes to recover and retains full use of his arms and legs. Pasassan assured supporters that he would recover and that he would nevertheless be able to report on the forthcoming MLB trade deadline. On Monday, the ESPN MLB analyst announced on Twitter that he suffered a yardwork mishap and damaged his back. “Sorry, I haven’t been posting lately,” Jeff Passan wrote. A giant tree limb decided to crush me when I was cleaning up after a major storm in Kansas City.
Prayers with you. Get well soon 🙏🏽
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 17, 2023
The good news is that I can still move my arms, legs, and Twitter fingers. The terrible news is that I’ve shattered my back. The vertebral fracture will heal on its own. I’ll get better. I’m praying the discomfort goes away between now and the trade deadline, but painkiller-fueled tweets could be entertaining.” Passan continued by thanking ESPN & the medical personnel that assisted him. Thanks to all my family members, friends, and everyone at ESPN who have been so supportive. I also want to thank the nurses, doctors, and support staff at KU Med for their dedication and care. And to individuals who are especially important to helping me deliver news this time of year: “My back may be shot, yet my phone still works,” the MLB expert added. Passan then captioned a photo of the bothersome tree branch, “This is the culprit.” You can bet I’m going to make a bat out of it.” Fans and followers quickly began leaving sympathetic remarks for the injured ESPN personality.
Get well bud. As good a person as our industry has
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) July 17, 2023
Oh man. Get well soon! Will miss seeing you on air – I’m a fan.
— Scott Hanson (@ScottHanson) July 17, 2023
Jeff!! My goodness. So grateful you are on the mend. You are one of one…and I'm proud to call you a friend. God bless!!! 🙏🏽
— Sage Steele (@sagesteele) July 17, 2023
Glad to hear you're doing better, praying for a speedy recovery, @JeffPassan 🙏
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) July 17, 2023
