Jim Irsay has died aged 65 (Image: Getty Images)
The sports world is mourning the loss of Indianapolis Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay, who passed away at 65.
On Wednesday, the Colts shared a heartfelt statement confirming the news of Irsay’s passing. The leading figure in the NFL had faced health struggles recently, including hospitalization in January 2024. Peyton Manning and others have paid tribute to Irsay.
Irsay, worth $4.8 billion, rose to become an iconic name in the league. He inherited the franchise from his father Robert, who acquired the then Baltimore Colts back in 1972. A move to Indianapolis in 1984 saw young Irsay, only 24 at the time, step in as vice president and general manager, making him the youngest GM in league history.
He took ownership of the team following his father’s death in 1997. Under Irsay’s ownership, the Colts scaled the heights of success, securing victory in Super Bowl XLI in 2007 against the Chicago Bears with Manning at the helm, though they fell short in Super Bowl XLIV in 2010 to Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.
The Colts expressed their sorrow in a statement: “We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner and CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon.
Irsay won the Super Bowl with the Colts (Image: Getty Images)
“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. Some of Jim’s fondest memories came from his youth working training camps in Baltimore and growing relationships with players, coaches, and staff whom he considered his extended family.
“He worked in every department before he was named the youngest general manager in team history in 1984 when the Colts arrived in Indianapolis.
Irsay built his franchise around star quarterback Peyton Manning (Image: Getty Images)
“After he took sole ownership in 1997, he led the Colts to a long series of division titles and brought the city its first Super Bowl Championship. Jim’s love and appreciation for the NFL in addition to its history, tradition, and principles influenced him to become a steward of the game throughout his 50-plus years in the League.
“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.
“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.
Irsay and the Colts met George Bush at the White House (Image: Getty Images)
“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.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed his grief in a statement, saying: “We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay’s passing today. Jim was a friend, and a man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts, and the Indianapolis community.
“He spent his life and career in the National Football League. Starting as a teenager as a Colts’ ballboy, he learned every position in the organization before assuming leadership of the Colts approximately 30 years ago. Jim’s Colts won the Super Bowl, hosted another and built Lucas Oil Stadium.
“Within the league, Jim was an active Chairman of the Legislative Committee and member of the Finance Committee. He led with integrity, passion, and care for the Colts’ players, coaches and staff, and his courageous work in support of mental health will be a lasting legacy.
“Outside of football, he was a talented musician and built an extraordinary collection of historical and musical artifacts that he shared with people across the country. On behalf of the entire NFL, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jim’s daughters and their families, and to his many friends throughout the NFL.”
And Manning wrote on X: “I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay’s passing. He was an incredibly generous and passionate owner, and I will always be indebted to him for giving me my start in the NFL.
“His love for the Colts and the city of Indy was unmatched. His impact on the players who played for him will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone in the Colts community. He will be missed. Jim, rest in peace, my friend.”
