Jim Irsay speaks during the ceremony for the retired jersey of Peyton Manning during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts on October 8, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.
Jim Irsay speaks during the ceremony for the retired jersey of Peyton Manning during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts on October 8, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.
NEED TO KNOW
Indianapolis Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay has died.
The businessman was 65 years old.
He struggled with addiction in the past, however, his cause of death has not been confirmed.
Jim Irsay, owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts has died. He was 65 years old.
The businessman “passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,” the official Colts X account confirmed on Wednesday, May 21.
A cause of death was not disclosed.
Irsay held his position with the organization from 1997 until his death. Before that, he was general manager of the Colts from 1984 to 1996.
“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,” the tribute read.
He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, per ESPN.
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The Colts’ post reflected on Irsay’s “fondest memories,” which “came from his youth, working training camps in Baltimore and growing relationships with players, coaches, and staff whom he considered his extended family.”
After taking sole ownership of the team in 1997, he led the Colts to a long series of division titles and brought the city its first Super Bowl Championship.
His career with the NFL spanned more than 50 years.
“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,” the tweet continued.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay looks on during a Ring of Honor ceremony during halftime of a game against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay looks on during a Ring of Honor ceremony during halftime of a game against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“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.”
Outside of his contributions to the league, Irsay also made headlines for his personal life.
He was arrested for a DUI in 2014.
During a November 2023 interview with Andrea Kremer on HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, he claimed “the arrest was wrong,” saying he was “prejudiced against because I'm a rich, white billionaire.”
The following month, he was found unresponsive after an apparent overdose, according to reports from ESPN and TMZ.
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Irsay was given narcan, a drug that helps reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and he "responded slightly,” ESPN said at the time, citing a police report.
The Colts owner had been open about his addiction, and donated more than $25 million through his Kicking The Stigma charity.
Per ESPN, Irsay had been clear that in his absence, ownership of the Colts would “100%” be passed down to his children.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.