Freddie Kitchens released from the hospital, is grateful to team

The Arizona Cardinals released a statement about quarterbacks coach Freddie Kitchens, who had heart surgery last week.

Freddie has been released from the Arizona Heart Hospital and has been cleared to continue his recovery at home, although with restrictions on activities, visitors and other limitations. It is expected that he will return to his duties with the team, at least on a limited basis initially, at some point during training camp.

This is great news for the entire Cardinals family, and the fact that the coaching staff is larger than in previous years helps to keep the offense from missing too much. While Kitchens is recovering, the team still has Bruce Arians, Toom Moore and Harold Goodwin to handle the quarterbacks.

Kitchens also released a statement:

"There are so many people that I'll be indebted to for the rest of my life and ‘thank you' just doesn't seem near enough. First to the Cardinals medical staff, (head athletic trainer) Tom Reed and his crew, (team physician) Dr. (Wayne) Kuhl. They recognized immediately that something was wrong, even when I wouldn't admit it. They knew enough to send me right away to Chandler Regional (Medical Center) where the ER staff and attending physician jumped right in and knew how critical the situation was. They airlifted me to Arizona Heart Hospital and made the arrangements for Dr. (Andrew) Goldstein and the surgery team there to operate on me through the night. Looking back, I have no doubt - none whatsoever - that I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the those people. I've played or coached football my whole life so I can definitely appreciate teamwork and a smooth, efficient operation but the work those doctors, nurses and medical personnel do is just incredible. Again, I wouldn't be alive without them. I'm overwhelmed by the prayers and kindness everyone has sent my way; from the Cardinals, throughout the NFL, in Arizona, Alabama and everywhere else. I realize how truly fortunate I am and the blessing I have been given."

We continue to wish the Kitchens family well.

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