Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay Dies at 65

Jim Irsay, the longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, died on Wednesday at age 65. He passed away peacefully in his sleep, according to a statement released by Colts chief operating officer Pete Ward.

“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,” the Colts said. “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.”

Survived by His Daughters and Grandchildren

Irsay is survived by his daughters—Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson—along with his ex-wife Meg Coyle and 10 grandchildren. Carlie, the oldest daughter, has been closely involved in the team’s operations and stepped in during Irsay’s six-game suspension in 2014 following a DWI arrest.

NFL Community Reacts to the Loss

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised Irsay’s legacy, calling him a friend and a passionate leader who cared deeply about his team and community. He also noted Irsay’s efforts to raise awareness about mental health as one of his most important contributions.

Former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning also mourned his former boss, saying:

“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.”

Health Struggles in Recent Months

Irsay’s health had been in question since December 2023 when he was found unresponsive in his home. The incident was labeled as a suspected overdose, and the team later confirmed he was being treated for a serious respiratory illness. While he made a few public appearances afterward, he had not been seen at recent NFL events or the 2024 Draft.

Just hours before his passing, Irsay posted a message on social media supporting the Indiana Pacers ahead of their playoff game.

A Dreamer Who Became the NFL’s Youngest Owner

Irsay became the Colts’ principal owner at age 37 after the death of his father, Bob Irsay. He became the youngest NFL owner at the time and quickly grew into one of the league’s most influential figures. He played key roles on NFL’s finance and legislative committees and helped design it’s salary cap system in the 1980s.

Unique Personality That Stood Out

Irsay was known for being eccentric and unpredictable in a league where most owners stay behind the scenes. He played guitar in the “Jim Irsay Band,” gave out $100 bills to fans at training camp, and regularly hosted contests on social media that rewarded fans with tickets or all-expenses-paid trips.

His collection of rare items—including guitars and sports memorabilia—became a traveling exhibit called the Jim Irsay Collection. It included items like Muhammad Ali’s championship belt and an Elton John piano. Irsay once turned down a $1 billion offer to sell the collection.

Passion for Football and Legacy of Success

During Irsay’s tenure, the Colts won Super Bowl XLI in 2007 and became one of the winningest franchises in the NFL. That marked a major turnaround from the years before he officially took control in 1997, when the team struggled to find consistency.

Irsay constantly aimed for more. In 2019, he famously said he wanted to win three straight Super Bowls. While the goal was never realized, he stood by his ambition, saying:

“How can you get up and go to work without accepting wanting to be the absolute best?”

Tough Decisions and Emotional Moments

One of Irsay’s most difficult moments as an owner came in 2012 when he released Peyton Manning due to health concerns and salary issues. The Colts had earned the No. 1 overall pick and were poised to draft Andrew Luck.

“I just broke down in tears in front of my daughters,” Irsay later said. “Because, just the emotion of saying, ‘That era’s ended.’ And I knew in my heart that it was over.”

A Voice for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery

Irsay was open about his decades-long battle with addiction. He went to rehab more than 15 times and often used his experience to support others. He viewed a handwritten Alcoholics Anonymous manuscript—also known as “The Big Book”—as the most valuable item in his collection.

Irsay and his family launched the “Kicking the Stigma” campaign to fight the stigma around mental health and addiction. The campaign has donated over $31 million in grants to related organizations.

What’s Next for the Colts

Ownership of the team is expected to stay within the Irsay family. Each daughter was given a share in 2012 and has been involved with team operations. While it’s unclear how much of the team has already been transferred, Irsay was always clear about his plans:

“We’re keeping 100 percent of the team,” he said, “and I’m passing it on to my children.”