Colts Legend Reggie Wayne Mourns the Loss of Iconic Owner Jim Irsay

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated May 29, 2025 9:21 AM ET

The untimely passing of Jim Irsay last week shattered the hearts of Indianapolis Colts fans and that sadness was echoed throughout the rest of the NFL.

He spent over 40 years with the team, including the last 28 as owner in which the Colts have had the most prosperous years in their franchise history.

Former and current players, employees and colleagues have been coming out in droves to offer their memories of Irsay and the impact he made on his players and the community.

The team held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, and a Colts legend spoke about his former owner and the legacy he left behind.

Legendary Indianapolis wide receiver Reggie Wayne spoke to the media and was extremely emotional while explaining what Irsay meant to him.

He was fighting through tears while attempting to share a conversation he had with the team's current wide receivers, telling them to research how good of an owner they had.

#Colts WRs coach Reggie Wayne broke down in tears today while reflecting on the late Jim Irsay:

"I told the WRs — a lot of y’all didn’t really know him. He would’ve done anything for anybody. He would’ve given the clothes off his back.”

(via @WISHNews8)pic.twitter.com/nYh28oMT4h
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 28, 2025

Wayne played with the team for his entire career which spanned 14 years and became a legend in the community.

His teammate, NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, also gave a statement recently regarding Irsay’s passing.

He shared some of the same sentiments about the iconic owner being selfless and family-oriented, just like his star receiver.

It’s clear that the late owner was not only great at his job, but everyone around him sensed what a great person he was.

It will take a lot for Irsay’s friends and family to mourn the loss, but he will forever live on in their memories and the stories everyone shares of him.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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