Jim Irsay, longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts and one of the NFL’s most recognizable figures, has died at age 65. The franchise announced that Irsay passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday afternoon.
“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep,” Colts chief operating officer Pete Ward said in a statement. “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, who took over full control of the team in 1997 following the death of his father Robert Irsay, presided over the most successful era in Colts history. Under his leadership, the team drafted quarterback Peyton Manning in 1998, ushering in more than a decade of dominance that included eight division titles and a victory in Super Bowl XLI.
Born into football royalty, Jim Irsay grew up around the game and began working with the Colts as a teenager, handling everything from equipment to front-office duties. He became the NFL’s youngest general manager in 1984, the year the team relocated from Baltimore to Indianapolis. He later assumed day-to-day control of the franchise in 1995 when his father suffered a stroke.
Beyond the gridiron, Irsay was known for his colorful personality, deep love of music and philanthropic spirit. He amassed a world famous collection of music memorabilia and frequently shared it with the public through tours and performances with his band. His charitable contributions benefited countless individuals and organizations across Indiana and the US, from mental health initiatives to support for underserved communities.
“Simply put, he wanted to make the world a better place and that philosophy never wavered,” Ward said. “Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere.”
Over 38 years under Irsay’s involvement with the franchise from 1984 through 2024, the Colts went 316-294-1 in the regular season and 13-16 in the playoffs.
“We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay’s passing today,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Jim was a friend, and a man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts, and the Indianapolis community. He spent his life and career in the National Football League. Starting as a teenager as a Colts’ ballboy, he learned every position in the organization before assuming leadership of the Colts approximately 30 years ago. Jim’s Colts won the Super Bowl, hosted another and built Lucas Oil Stadium.”
Goodell noted Irsay’s participation in league operations as the active chairman of the legislative committee and a member of the finance committee.
“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 the statement. “Outside of football, he was a talented musician and built an extraordinary collection of historical and musical artifacts that he shared with people across the country.
“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.”
In February 2024, Irsay took to social media to reveal that his health was improving after he was hospitalized for a severe respiratory illness.
“On the mend. Grateful for all the messages of love and support,” Irsay wrote on Twitter.
The Colts released a statement on 9 January 2024, saying Irsay was undergoing treatment for the illness.
On 8 December 2023, per a police report, Irsay, then 64, was found unresponsive in his home in Carmel, Indiana, prompting emergency personnel to administer Narcan, which is commonly used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Irsay revealed during a November 2023 interview on HBO’s Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel that he had battled addiction and nearly died from a previous overdose. He said he had been to rehab “at least 15 times”.
He publicly credited Alcoholics Anonymous for positively impacting his life and that organization’s 12-step program has “literally saved hundreds of thousands or millions of lives”, Irsay told ESPN in 2024.
Irsay is survived by his daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson; his ex-wife, Meg Coyle; and 10 grandchildren.
The Colts have not announced succession plans, but Irsay’s daughters – already active in team operations – are expected to continue his legacy.
