Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay died at the age of 65 last week, and the team gathered in an official capacity for the first time since his passing on Wednesday.
The team held its first full-squad practice of the spring, and many within the organization reflected on Irsay and his death. Former players and franchise dignitaries were in attendance, including Super Bowl champion Reggie Wayne.
The wide receiver played nearly his entire career with the Colts, and never appeared in the regular season for another team. Irsay and the Colts drafted Wayne in the first round back in 2000, and he retired as a three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler.
On Wednesday, he spoke to the team about Irsay and his impact - both personally and professionally.
"I told the receivers, a lot of y'all don't really know him but he would've done anything for anybody," Wayne said.
"He would've gave the clothes off his back ... I said, y'all got to push your asses for him. He would've done that for y'all. So, that's what I told them. I said, 'Y'all got homework to do, man. Read about him. Learn about him.'"
The legendary receiver told the story of how Irsay personally called him to iron out a deal in free agency in 2012, as Wayne nearly left the team to join either the Chicago Bears or Kansas City Chiefs.
"All of a sudden, my phone rung," Wayne said. Irsay was on the other line.
"No, you're not taking that trip," the owner told his star receiver. Wayne returned to the Colts on a deal that paid him around $17 million over three seasons, but Wayne says Irsay told him he would have given him $30 million if he asked for it.
Current players also told stories about Irsay's kindness and willingness to help others. Defensive lineman DeForest Buckner noted that Irsay allowed him to use his private jet to fly to Panama for stem cell treatment after spraining his ankle.
"Wasn't even a flinch," Buckner said of Irsay's reaction. "It's the little things like that. He's willing to do whatever it takes for the organization, for those around him."
Irsay owned the Colts after inheriting the team from his father, and it was clear that he loved the team, the community and everything and everyone associated with both Indianapolis and the Colts.
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This story was originally published May 29, 2025 at 2:32 PM.