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Tom Brady’s Quiet Response to Jim Irsay’s Death Speaks Volumes
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Tom Brady’s Quiet Response to Jim Irsay’s Death Speaks Volumes

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Tristan Afshar  |  Last updated May 22, 2025 11:52 AM ET

The NFL world is mourning the loss of a passionate and beloved figure. On Wednesday, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay passed away peacefully in his sleep, prompting an outpouring of grief across the football community.

In a statement shared by the team, the Colts wrote:

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

Irsay took over day-to-day operations of the Colts in 1995 before officially becoming principal owner in 1997. Known for his devotion to both the team and city, Irsay left a lasting impact not only in Indianapolis but across the league.

More tributes poured in Thursday, including a heartfelt post from Colts legend Peyton Manning. In his Instagram post, Manning called Irsay’s love for the city “unmatched” and credited him with giving him his start in the NFL. He described the Colts owner as generous, passionate and someone he’ll always be indebted to.

Brady let his reaction speak volumes with just one word

Among the many who saw Manning’s tribute was Tom Brady, who didn’t need a full statement to share how he felt. Brady simply commented:

“RIP” — accompanied by prayer and heart emojis.

It was a brief but meaningful gesture from one NFL icon to another, signaling the respect and impact Irsay had across generations of football greats.

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

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