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Browns' Holmgren: GM Heckert recovering from heart surgery

Cleveland Browns general manager Tom Heckert is recovering from surgery to clear a blockage in his heart.

Heckert recently underwent a procedure at the Cleveland Clinic and is at home resting comfortably. Team president Mike Holmgren provided an update on Heckert's condition Monday before announcing a contract extension for linebacker D'Qwell Jackson.

Holmgren said Heckert did not suffer a heart attack. A few weeks ago, he wasn't feeling well and went in for a checkup and tests, which revealed the blockage in an artery. The surgery prevented Heckert from attending the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

"I just got off the phone with him," Holmgren said. "He had heart surgery. He's gonna be fine. Actually, he's a very healthy guy now. He had a blockage in an artery. They found it, they fixed it and he should be good to go."

Holmgren said Heckert, who has been with the Browns since 2010, would be in the office Tuesday.

"He's going to work for a little bit and I'll kick him out of the building," Holmgren said. "It's according to the doctor's plan how much he can do with this sort of thing. It won't change anything with his involvement in the draft. Little by little, by the time the draft comes up, he should be back in here working full time."

The upcoming draft is a crucial one for the Browns, who have the No. 4 overall pick and three of the top 37 selections.

Holmgren's comments marked the first official acknowledgement by the team of the specific nature of Heckert's health problems, which had initially been reported by WTAM-AM radio in Cleveland.

The team had previously confirmed that Heckert had been dealing with medical issues, but would not elaborate on the details.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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