Jim Irsay: Legendary Indianapolis Colts Owner Dies At 65

Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, who grew up around the NFL, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. He was 65 at the time of his death, and the cause of death has not been disclosed. Irsay had recently struggled with health difficulties. He made his first public appearance since the previous season last summer when he showed up at the Indianapolis Colts’ training camp. Irsay had been recovering from a fall he sustained and faced several operations.

Jim Irsay’s Early Life

Jim Irsay was born in Lincolnwood, Illinois, on June 13, 1959. His father, Robert Irsay, exposed him to football at a young age. In 1972, Robert bought the Baltimore Colts, and in 1984, he relocated the club to Indianapolis. Jim’s father immersed him in the team’s activities as a child, preparing him for a future leadership role. The younger Irsay was named vice president and general manager. Jim was later named Chief Operations Officer in 1996.

Irsay became the team’s owner and CEO after his father passed away in 1997, assuming control of the family business. The arrival of quarterback Peyton Manning, who guided the Colts to a 2007 Super Bowl victory, coincided with his ownership tenure.

Entry Into the NFL

Jim Irsay began his career as a ball boy with the Colts, but his dedication and knowledge of the game enabled him to advance quickly through the ranks. In 1984, at the age of 24, he became the youngest general manager in the National Football League (NFL). Jim took complete command of the Colts after his father passed away in 1997, marking the beginning of a new era for the team.

Leadership Tenure Of Jim Irsay

Irsay led the Colts to an unprecedented level of success. A significant turning point was the selection of Manning in 1998, which resulted in several division victories and a spectacular win in Super Bowl XLI in 2007. The Colts‘ consistency during the Manning years forever changed the franchise’s image.

Philanthropy and Community Work

His kind donations to organizations like the YMCA and Riley Hospital for Children demonstrated his dedication to the community. In 2020, he launched the “Kicking the Stigma” initiative to raise awareness and understanding of mental health concerns. His charitable endeavors have impacted numerous lives in Indianapolis and elsewhere.

Irsay’s Personal Life

In addition to football, Irsay was well-known for his collection of pop cultural, historical, and musical relics, which included an early edition of Allen Ginsberg’s poem “Howl,” objects used by presidents, and guitars played by Prince, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon. Additionally, he had been open about his past struggles with addiction. He admitted on HBO’s “Real Sports” in 2023 that he had overdosed once by mistake and had spent at least 15 times in rehab.

Jim Irsay leaves behind three daughters.