Colts Announce Tragic Passing of Legendary Owner Jim Irsay

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jay Canale | Last updated May 21, 2025 9:33 PM ET

The Indianapolis Colts announced late Wednesday afternoon that their owner, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep earlier that day.

Jim Irsay was involved in the Colts organization through every stage of his life, beginning when his father, Robert Irsay, acquired the Baltimore Colts in 1972. This encouraged a young Jim Irsay to engage with the team in various capacities, including working as a ball boy, answering phones, and helping out in the ticket office.

Irsay joined the Colts’ professional staff after graduating from SMU in 1982 and never left. He became the youngest general manager in team history in 1984, when the Colts relocated from Baltimore to Indianapolis. Irsay became the sole owner of the Colts in 1997 and helped the franchise he grew up with win numerous playoff games, division titles, and, in 2007, a Super Bowl.

Irsay worked tirelessly to support not only the Colts, but the Indianapolis community during his tenure as owner. This included numerous philanthropic events, as well as the founding of his non-profit organization, Kicking The Stigma, in 2020.

Irsay’s commitment to the Indianapolis community was consistently matched by his dedication to the Colts’ success. Irsay oversaw the Colts’ remarkable stretch from 2002 to 2010, during which they were widely regarded as one of the best teams in the league.

He was responsible for drafting what was arguably the most important cog in that dominant stretch: Peyton Manning. Below, The Athletic’s Zac Keefer details the commotion on draft day in 1998 and Irsay’s unwavering belief in the now Hall of Famer.

A great Jim Irsay story.

Days before 98 draft. Polian was getting nervous, worried that Manning would end up the next Bernie Kosar.

"Can you live with Bernie Kosar?!?!?" he screamed at Irsay, pounding his fist on Irsay's desk.

Irsay never waffled. Manning was the pick.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) May 22, 2025