Jim Irsay is remembered as one of the NFL’s most passionate and generous franchise owners. He owned the Indianapolis Colts from 1997 until his death in 2025, after inheriting it from his father Robert Irsay.
Under his leadership, they became one of the most successful franchises in NFL history and saw a golden period in their history. Irsay was not just a businessman leading a franchise, as he also had a heart of gold for his employees.
Jim Irsay’s final act of generosity before his death
A viral post by MLFootball has revealed that Irsay had one last act of generosity after his death. He had arranged generous financial bonuses for numerous employees at the Colts before his death which would be executed after he passed away. Everyone from the front office personnel, trainers, equipment managers, and longtime employees whom he worked with, would receive these bonuses.
Oct 1, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay on the main stage during NFL on Regent Street prior to the International Series game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images
Oct 1, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay on the main stage during NFL on Regent Street prior to the International Series game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images
According to Colts Insider Joel A. Erickson,“One thing I heard at Lucas Oil today: Jim Irsay left instructions, upon his passing, to leave a generous amount for many members of the Colts’ staff, a thank you to those who worked for him.”
This last act of gratitude shows his dedication not just to the Colts, but to the people he worked with. He considered them his own extended family, and made sure that they will be taken care of long after he is dead. Even when he was alive, Irsay used to take care of his staff properly.
He arranged flights and transportation to Colts games at his expense, used to often hand out $100 bills at training camp, and gifted Super Bowl tickets in trivia contests. Every team employee got a $100 bill and a birthday card from him on their birthdays. His Kicking the Stigma campaign raised millions of dollars to help those suffering from mental health issues. Aside from his employees, his players also loved him.
Peyton Manning praised Jim Irsay
Irsay oversaw the Colts become hugely successful during their tenure. Hiring a top manager like Bill Polian and recruiting top players like Peyton Manning, the franchise won their first Super Bowl championship in 2006. He built them their now iconic Lucas Oil Stadium, and won multiple AFC South division titles under him.
Manning later paid tribute to the late owner, saying, “I’ll be indebted for what he did for me, giving me my start. And certainly, [we] parted ways. But five years later, after I retire, he dedicates a statue in my name and puts me in the Ring of Honor and insisted that I fly to Canton, Ohio on the Colts’ plane.”
He added, “He cared about his community, he cared about his family, but he loved the Colts, he loved the horseshoe as he called it, and I think that’s a great legacy.”
Jim Irsay was clearly loved by his employees and players, and will be remembered for his generous acts. His three daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson now own the franchise, and are honoring their father’s legacy.