TheIndianapolis Colts are reeling from the passing of owner Jim Irsay at 65. But before he left this earth, he had one final wish.
Heposted on X his hopes that the Indiana Pacers and owner Herb Simon would become NBA champions right before his death.
“Go PACERS.Good luck to Herb, the entire @Pacers organization, and our city! 💪❤️”he posted.
Go PACERS. Good luck to Herb, the entire @Pacers organization, and our city! 💪❤️
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) May 21, 2025
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The Pacers are taking on the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. If they go all the way and win, it will be their first NBA championship in franchise history.
After theNFL family immediately expressed their condolences to Irsay, the Pacersfollowed suit. Simon, a personal friend, issued a statement celebratingIrsay's legacy.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Jim Irsay. Jim took the time today to cheer us on – he was more than the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, he was a transformative figure in our city and state, a passionate advocate for the community, and someone whose generosity, visionand spirit touched countless lives. Jim helped shape our city into the sports capital it is today, and his legacy, both on and off the field, will continue to inspire us and generations to come. On behalf of our family, we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Irsay family, the Colts organization, fansand all who loved Jim. He willbe sorely missed.”
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It turns out, Irsay had a deep, abiding love for the Pacers.
JimIrsay's connection to the Pacers
Irsay was a prominent figure in Indianapolis, so it was only natural for him to be a fervent supporter of the Pacers.
That support carried over into off-court ventures. In 2012, Irsay and Simonteamed up with the American Red Cross to help Central Indiana after a natural disaster.
The first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals are in New York. So, when the series shifts to Indiana, the Pacers will likely hold a moment of silence in honor of Irsay.