Jim Irsay, the former Indianapolis Colts Owner and Ceo, has died at the age of 65, the team announced Wednesday.
Despite battling numerous health issues over the past few decades, the Colts announced Mr. Irsay passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday afternoon.
The son of Robert Irsay, who purchased the Baltimore Colts franchise in 1972 for $12 million. The elder Irsay moved the Colts to Indianapolis overnight on March 28, 1984. At just 24-years-old, Jim was named team vice president and general manager, setting a never-before-seen precedent in the NFL. Jim inherited the franchise from his father following his passing in 1997 and became the youngest owner in the NFL at age 37.
Within a decade of ownership, Irsay brought Indianapolis to the pinnacle of professional football as the Circle City won its first Super Bowl title in 2006. The Super Bowl XLI championship team featured five Pro Football Hall of Famers, including quarterback Peyton Manning, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Sr., defensive end Dwight Freeney, kicker Adam Vinatieri, and head coach Tony Dungy. The Colts collected 10 division titles, made two Super Bowl appearances and compiled a 257-194-1 record under Jim Irsay’s ownership.
Irsay dealt with a history of addiction to prescription painkillers, which led to enrolling in a rehabilitation center in 2002. He later dealt with a severe respiratory illness after a suspected overdose of opiods in December 2023. Irsay last spoke to the local media at the Colts training camp at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind. in July 2024. The Colts did not announce a cause of death in Wednesday’s statement.
The Colts released an official statement through social media:
“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon. Jim’s dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed. Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them”
“Some of Jim’s fondest memories came from his youth working training camps in Baltimore and growing relationships with players, coaches, and staff whom he considered his extended family. He worked in every department before he was named the youngest general manager in team history in 1984 when the Colts arrived in Indianapolis. After he took sole ownership in 1997, he led the Colts to a long series of division titles and brought the city its first Super Bowl Championship. Jim’s love and appreciation for the NFL in addition to its history, tradition, and principles influenced him to become a steward of the game throughout his 50-plus years in the League.”
“Jim’s generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state of Indiana and the country. He made philanthropy a daily endeavor. He never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives. Music was one of Jim’s passions and the ability to share his band and collection with millions of people across the world brought him tremendous joy. Simply put, he wanted to make the world a better place and that philosophy never wavered. Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit.”
Born in Lincolnwood, Illinois, Irsay was a polarizing public figure who has been inside the league since he was 12-years-old. Irsay walked on as a linebacker to Southern Methodist University and graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism in 1982.
Irsay leaves behind three daughters. Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Jim’s oldest daughter, along with his two other daughters Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, are expected to inherit and control ownership of the franchise moving forward.