Jim Irsay, who had served as the principal owner of the Indianapolis Colts since inheriting the role following his father’s death in 1997, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday at the age of 65.
Over his 38 years with the organization, the Colts secured a victory in Super Bowl XLI on February 4, 2007, defeating the Chicago Bears 29-17 in Miami Gardens, Florida. They later fell to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010, also held at the Miami Dolphins’ home stadium.
Colts chief operating officer Pete Ward expressed the team’s grief in a statement: “We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon. Jim’s passion for the Colts, his generous spirit, and his deep commitment to both the community and his family were truly unmatched.”
Irsay began his NFL executive journey at age 24 when his father relocated the franchise from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984, appointing him general manager.
“Jim’s philanthropic efforts have touched lives across Indianapolis, throughout Indiana, and beyond,” Ward added. “Giving back was a core part of who he was.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also paid tribute: “We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay’s passing. He dedicated his life to the NFL, starting as a ballboy and working his way through every level of the Colts organization before taking over as owner about 30 years ago. Under his leadership, the Colts captured a Super Bowl title, hosted another, and built Lucas Oil Stadium.
“Jim led with integrity, compassion, and a deep care for everyone involved with the team. His courageous advocacy for mental health awareness leaves a powerful legacy. Beyond football, Jim was a gifted musician and collector who shared his remarkable collection of historic and musical artifacts with people across the nation.”
Jim Irsay, longtime principal owner of the Indianapolis Colts, passed away at 65, leaving behind a lasting legacy both on and off the football field.
Irsay’s eldest daughter, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, has been deeply involved in the team’s operations for years and temporarily stepped in as team representative during her father’s 2014 suspension following a DWI arrest. He is survived by daughters Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson; his ex-wife and the mother of his children, Meg Coyle; and 10 grandchildren.
He was hospitalized on December 8, 2023, after being found unresponsive at home, in what authorities described as a suspected overdose. The Colts later announced on January 9, 2024, that Irsay was battling a severe respiratory illness. He was absent from both the NFL’s annual meeting in March and the draft in April.
Irsay officially took control of the Colts in 1997 at age 37, following the death of his father, Robert “Bob” Irsay. At the time, he was the youngest owner in the league. He had served the franchise in various roles since the team’s relocation from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984, when he was just 24. That move, made under the threat of eminent domain from the city of Baltimore, famously occurred overnight with Mayflower trucks, and brought the team to its new home in the Hoosier Dome, later the RCA Dome. Since 2008, the Colts have played in Lucas Oil Stadium.
A significant figure within the NFL, Irsay sat on the league’s finance committee and chaired its legislative committee. In the 1980s, he was one of four executives selected by then-commissioner Pete Rozelle to help develop the salary cap system still used today.
During his tenure, the Colts won Super Bowl XLI in 2007 and later appeared in Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. Quarterback Peyton Manning, selected first overall in the 1998 NFL Draft, was instrumental in the team’s success during that era. However, two years after their Super Bowl loss to the Saints, Irsay made the difficult decision to release Manning, who went on to win another championship with the Denver Broncos before retiring.
Manning paid tribute in a heartfelt message: “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, #18.”
The Colts franchise originated in Baltimore in 1953 and became part of the American Football Conference after the NFL-AFL merger in 1970. Bob Irsay acquired the team in 1972 and oversaw its controversial move to Indianapolis in 1984. Baltimore would later get a new team in 1996 with the arrival of the Ravens.
Like his father, Jim Irsay battled alcoholism. He spoke candidly in a 2023 ESPN interview about his journey in recovery, crediting the 12-step program with saving his life and helping to break a generational cycle of addiction. “Those 12 steps have literally saved hundreds of thousands or millions of lives,” he said. “Because of those 12 steps, I’ve been able to bridge the dam of generations and say, ‘Stop! No more!’”
Irsay’s leadership, philanthropy, and openness about mental health and addiction made him a unique and influential figure in the NFL. His absence will be deeply felt by his family, the Colts organization, and fans across the country.
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