Colts owner Jim Irsay dead at 65

By JOSH BODE
WISH-TV | wishtv.com

The Indianapolis Colts announced that owner Jim Irsay died Wednesday afternoon at age 65, “peacefully in his sleep.”

Irsay was around the Colts for nearly his entire life, spending 53 years with the team. His father, Robert Irsay, acquired the Colts in 1972.

Irsay became the Colts general manager in 1984, when the Colts loaded up the Mayflower Trucks in Baltimore and arrived in Indianapolis in the middle of the night. They played their first game in Indianapolis on Sept. 2, 1984, in the Hoosier Dome, later known as the RCA Dome.

Irsay became the sole owner of the Colts in 1997. Today, his net worth is $4.8 billion, according to Forbes.

In December 2004, he joined Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson at the RCA Dome to announce the construction of a new stadium. Lucas Oil Stadium opened in August 2008.

In his time as the owner of the Colts, the team won 10 division titles, made it to the Super Bowl twice, and won Super Bowl XLI in 2007. Under his leadership, the Colts had Hall of Fame careers from Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, Dwight Freeney, and more.

Irsay’s legacy spans off the football field as well, focusing on philanthropy.

He and his family launched Kicking The Stigma, which focuses on mental health and raising awareness around the stigma that frequently comes with mental health disorders.

He supported Riley Hospital for Children, donating money to help their mental health services.

Irsay hosted the Chuckstrong Tailgate Gala with former Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, which has raised more than $16 million for cancer research.

Irsay also donated $1 million on stage at Farm Aid in 2023, and participated in many more philanthropic efforts.

Irsay was a lover of rock music, collecting instruments from some of the most famous artists, like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, James Brown, and more in The Jim Irsay Collection. The Jim Irsay Collection also spans outside of music, containing Jack Kerouac’s original On The Road manuscript. The collection has become a “traveling museum,” which has had free exhibitions across the country. He also loaned items in his collection to museums and nonprofits.

His love of music also motivated him to create The Jim Irsay Band, which was comprised of some of music’s greatest artists.

Irsay had been dealing with health issues. In December 2023, a 911 call was made to Irsay’s home in Carmel. Irsay was found breathing but unresponsive. He was later diagnosed with a respiratory illness.

At Colts training camp in 2024, he told reporters he was rehabbing from two surgeries.

“It’s great to see you guys, the fans and to be out here,” he said at the time. “I’m feeling great, you know, just trying to get this left leg stronger, which it will be.”

He is survived by his three daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson, who are co-owners of the team.

Colts Chief Operating Officer Pete Ward released the following statement Wednesday night regarding Irsay’s death:

“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. Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them.

“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. He worked in every department before he was named the youngest general manager in team history in 1984 when the Colts arrived in Indianapolis. 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. 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.

“Jim’s generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state of Indiana and the country. He made philanthropy a daily endeavor. He never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives. Music was one of Jim’s passions and the ability to share his band and collection with millions of people across the world brought him tremendous joy. Simply put, he wanted to make the world a better place and that philosophy never wavered. Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit.”

This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/sports/indianapolis-colts/colts-owner-jim-irsay-dead-at-65.