Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has passed away at the age of 65. He died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday afternoon, according to a statement from the team. Irsay took over the Colts in 1997 after the death of his father, Robert Irsay, and became a prominent figure in the NFL.
Colts chief operating officer Pete Ward expressed the team’s sorrow, saying, “We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon.” He highlighted Irsay’s dedication to the Colts, his generosity, and his strong commitment to the community and family.
While the cause of death has not been disclosed, Irsay is survived by three daughters and ten grandchildren. He was known for his significant impact on the Colts franchise, particularly for selecting legendary quarterback Peyton Manning in the 1998 draft. Under Irsay’s leadership, the Colts became a top team, winning the Super Bowl in 2007 and the AFC Championship in 2009. However, he made the tough choice to release Manning in 2012 after the quarterback underwent neck surgery. Manning later went on to win two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos.
Manning shared his condolences on Instagram, calling Irsay “an incredibly generous and passionate owner” and expressing gratitude for the opportunities Irsay provided him in his career. He noted that Irsay’s love for the Colts and the city of Indianapolis was unmatched.
Beyond football, Irsay was known for his philanthropy and his impressive collection of rock and roll memorabilia, which includes items from artists like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix. He often loaned pieces from his collection to museums and nonprofits for public display and research. Irsay also made headlines for his struggles with prescription drug abuse, which he openly discussed. He faced legal issues related to this in 2014 and had a health scare in 2023.
Following his death, ownership of the Colts is expected to be passed on to his daughters: Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson. Carlie, the oldest, is set to take the lead on the football operations, having stepped in for her father during his suspensions and rehabilitation.
Jim Irsay’s legacy in the NFL and his contributions to the Colts will not be forgotten as the team and its fans mourn his loss.