Owner Jim Irsay of the Indianapolis Colts Passes Away at 65: A Legacy of Passion, Perseverance, and Philanthropy

 INDIANAPOLIS — According to a statement from the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay, the legendary owner and CEO whose impact shaped the team for almost three decades, passed quietly in his sleep on Wednesday at the age of 65

The shocking news was delivered by Colts COO Pete Ward: “We are devastated to tell our beloved owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away comfortably in his sleep this afternoon. Jim was unparalleled in his dedication and enthusiasm for the Indianapolis Colts, his unbounded generosity, his great commitment to the community, and, most importantly, his unflinching love of his family. 

Irsay leaves behind both a very personal and professional legacy. His daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson, his former wife, Meg Coyle, and ten grandchildren survive him. His daughter Carlie, the most active in the day-to-day operations of the franchise, notably took the reins during Irsay’s suspension in 2014.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell offered his condolences, stating, “Jim irsay was a friend and a man profoundly devoted to his family, the game, the Colts, and the Indianapolis city…  His brave efforts in favour of mental health will be remembered always.

Health Concerns in Recent Years of Jim Irsay

Since late 2023, when emergency responders found Jim Irsay unconscious in his bedroom—a condition police reported as a probable overdose—concerns about his health had been more acute. For months afterwards, a serious respiratory condition kept him away from public events. Despite a few public appearances, Irsay was notably absent from key NFL events in 2024 and 2025.

Still, just hours before his death, Irsay had posted a spirited message of support for the Indiana Pacers on social media, proving his ongoing engagement with local sports and the broader Indiana community.

Tributes from Colts Legends and NFL Peers 

Peyton Manning, the Hall of Fame quarterback and Colts icon, expressed his heartbreak, saying, “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 impact on the players who played for him will not be forgotten.”

A Football Lifelong Devotion

Jim Irsay assumed control of the Colts at the age of 37 following the death of his father, Bob Irsay, navigating a legal battle to secure the team’s ownership. He became the NFL’s youngest team owner at the time, but quickly matured into one of its most dynamic and influential figures. Respected member of the league’s finance and legislative committees, Irsay was instrumental in shaping contemporary NFL finances, particularly the pay cap. 

Still, his manner occasionally ran counter to the traditional expectations of an NFL executive.  Known for his eccentricity, Irsay lived a vibrant existence touring with his rock band, handing $100 cash at training camps, and planning grand social media fan contests.  

An Era of Glory and Heartbreak

The Colts developed under Jim Irsay’s direction to be among the NFL’s most regular winners. They advanced to two Super Bowls, claiming the Lombardi Trophy in 2007 after defeating the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI. That rain-soaked image of Irsay hoisting the trophy remains one of the most enduring snapshots of his tenure

Still, he was also known for his bold, sometimes quixotic dreams. In 2019, he publicly declared aspirations of winning three straight Super Bowls—a comment many dismissed, particularly given the team’s inconsistency since their last division title in 2014.

Despite those ambitions remaining unfulfilled, Irsay never wavered in his belief. “How can you get up and go to work without striving to be the absolute best?” he once asked rhetorically

Defining Moments and Difficult Choices

Among the toughest calls in Irsay’s career was the emotional decision in 2012 to release Peyton Manning due to health concerns and financial implications, paving the way for the drafting of Andrew Luck. It was a move that changed the course of the franchise.

Reflecting on that moment, Irsay once told NFL.com, “I just broke down in tears in front of my daughters… because I knew in my heart it was over.”

Collector, Philanthropist, Advocate

 Beyond football, Irsay was globally recognized for his eclectic and high-value collection of music and pop culture memorabilia, housed in the traveling Jim Irsay Collection. From Muhammad Ali’s championship belt to Kurt Cobain’s guitar, his collection was as much a reflection of Irsay’s passions as it was of his wealth

In 2023, he revealed he turned down a $1 billion offer from a Middle Eastern buyer for the collection. Yet, his most treasured possession was the original manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous—“The Big Book”—a symbol of his battles with addiction.

Having spent years in and out of rehab—reportedly at least 15 times—Irsay became a vocal advocate for mental health and addiction recovery. His “Kicking the Stigma” campaign raised over $31 million in grants, leaving an indelible mark on the community and the league.

The Future of the Franchise 

Ownership of the Colts is expected to remain within the Jim Irsay family. His daughters, all of whom have been involved in team operations since 2012, are presumed to continue their father’s legacy, although details of the estate’s transition remain under wraps. 

From his early days in the locker room with Johnny Unitas to leading his team to a Super Bowl, Jim Irsay’s journey was both inspirational and tragic—a reflection of ambition, eccentricity, and human vulnerability. 

As he once said, “I was taught by those that came before me… to be a steward.. And steward he was—of a franchise, a community, and a cause.

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