Colts CEO and owner Jim Irsay passes away at age 65

Jim Irsay, the owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, passed away Wednesday afternoon, the organization confirmed. Irsay played in the NFL. He was sixty-five.

In a company statement, Colts chief operating officer Pete Ward said, “We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon.” Jim was unparalleled in his devotion to the Indianapolis Colts, his philanthropy, his community service, and, most importantly, his love for his family. Along with his entire family, we offer our sincere condolences to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson.

After his father, Robert Irsay, bought the Baltimore club in 1972, Irsay climbed through the ranks of the organization, becoming the youngest general manager in the NFL at 24 in 1984 and the youngest owner in league history at 37 when he took over the team in 1997.

In 1984, the Colts moved to Indianapolis. Before taking over as owner, chairman, and CEO in 1997, Jim Irsay served as general manager and vice president from 1984 to 1993. He was outspoken, colorful, and direct in his views, even when it came to league issues.

“Some of Jim’s fondest memories came from his youth working training camps in Baltimore and growing relationships with players, coaches, and staff, whom he considered his extended family,” the statement said. Before being appointed the youngest general manager in the history of the franchise in 1984, when the Colts moved to Indianapolis, he had positions in every department.

“After he took sole ownership in 1997, he led the Colts to a long series of division titles and brought the city its first Super Bowl Championship,” said the statement. “Jim’s love and appreciation for the NFL in addition to its history, tradition and principles influenced him to become a steward of the game throughout his 50-plus years in the League.”

The Colts defeated the Chicago Bears 29–17 in Super Bowl XLI to win the 2006 season. The 2009 season ended with Indianapolis losing to the New Orleans Saints 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV.

From 1984 to 2024, Jim Irsay managed the Colts for 38 years. During that time, the team finished 316-294-1 in the regular season and 13-16 in the postseason.

According to a statement released by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, “We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay’s passing today.” “Jim was a friend and a man who had a strong devotion to his family, the Colts, the game, and the city of Indianapolis. He played in the National Football League all of his life. Before taking over as the Colts’ leader almost 30 years ago, he learned every job in the organization while playing ball as a teenager. Jim’s Colts constructed Lucas Oil Stadium, won a Super Bowl, and hosted another.

As the active chairman of the legislative committee and a member of the finance committee, Goodell emphasized Irsay’s involvement in league operations.

“He led with integrity, passion and care for the Colts’ players, coaches and staff, and his courageous work in support of mental health will be a lasting legacy,” Goodell said in a statement. A gifted musician outside of football, he amassed an impressive collection of musical and historical items that he shared with people all over the nation.

“On behalf of the entire NFL, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jim’s daughters and their families, and to his many friends throughout the NFL.”

Irsay’s love of music, which included leading the Jim Irsay Band and amassing a sizable collection of memorabilia and vintage instruments, was also acknowledged in the Colts’ statement.

The Colts added in the statement that “Jim’s generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, and the country.” “He made giving back to the community a daily priority. He never shied away from improving the lives of many organizations and people.

One of Jim’s loves was music, and he was ecstatic to be able to share his band and collection with millions of people worldwide. In a nutshell, his philosophy remained constant: he aspired to improve the world. Jim’s family, the Colts organization, and fans worldwide will all mourn him terribly, but we are still motivated by his compassion and individuality.”

After being admitted to the hospital for a serious respiratory ailment in February 2024, Irsay posted on social media to announce that his health was getting better.

“On the mend. Irsay posted on Twitter, “Thankful for all the love and support messages.”

On January 9, 2024, the Colts issued a statement stating that Irsay was receiving treatment for the condition.

Irsay, 64, was discovered unconscious in his Carmel, Indiana, home on December 8, 2023, according to a police report. Emergency personnel then gave him Narcan, a medication that is frequently used to reverse the symptoms of an opioid overdose.

In an interview with HBO’s “Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” in November 2023, Irsay disclosed that he had struggled with addiction and had almost died from an overdose in the past. He claimed to have visited a treatment facility “at least 15 times.”

Irsay told ESPN in 2024 that Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12-step method has “literally saved hundreds of thousands or millions of lives,” and he openly acknowledged the organization’s influence on his life.