Indianapolis Colts Reflect on Legacy of Late Owner Jim Irsay
The Indianapolis Colts gathered as a full team for the first time since the passing of their longtime owner, Jim Irsay, who died last week at age 65. Wednesday’s spring practice was more than a workout—it was a moment of reflection and remembrance.
Former players and franchise legends were in attendance, including Super Bowl champion and current wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne. Drafted by Irsay and the Colts in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft, Wayne spent his entire playing career in Indianapolis, earning three All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowl nods.
Wayne addressed the team emotionally, urging players to understand Irsay’s legacy both on and off the field.
“I told the receivers, a lot of y’all don’t really know him,” Wayne said. “But he would’ve done anything for anybody. He would’ve given the clothes off his back. I told them, ‘Y’all got to push your asses for him. He would’ve done that for y’all. Y’all got homework—read about him. Learn about him.’”
Wayne also shared a personal story from 2012, when he considered signing with the Bears or Chiefs in free agency. That changed with one phone call—from Irsay himself.
“All of a sudden, my phone rang,” Wayne recalled. “It was him. He said, ‘No, you’re not taking that trip.’”
Wayne re-signed with the Colts for roughly $17 million over three years. He said Irsay told him he would’ve paid $30 million if that’s what it took.
Current players also shared stories of Irsay’s generosity. Defensive lineman DeForest Buckner recounted how Irsay let him use his private jet to fly to Panama for stem cell treatment on an injured ankle—no questions asked.
“Wasn’t even a flinch,” Buckner said. “It’s the little things like that. He was willing to do whatever it takes for the organization and the people around him.”
Jim Irsay inherited the Colts from his father and owned the team for nearly three decades. His passion for the Colts, the city of Indianapolis, and its people was evident to all who knew him.
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