Jim Irsay, longtime Indianapolis Colts owner, dies at 65

CNN
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Indianapolis Colts proprietor and CEO Jim Irsay has died on the age of 65, the staff introduced on Wednesday.

The Colts stated Irsay died “peacefully in his sleep” on Wednesday afternoon. No reason for demise was given.

“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,” the staff stated in an announcement.

Irsay was one of many league’s most high-profile house owners and was remembered as a fierce advocate for Indiana’s capital metropolis. He continuously spoke with reporters and was closely concerned within the Colts’ soccer operations, making him one of the vital seen figures within the NFL throughout his many years in control of the franchise.

Earlier than changing into the proprietor of the franchise, Irsay was named basic supervisor at 24 years previous, the youngest in staff historical past to ever maintain that job, in accordance with the Colts.

In 1995, he took a extra distinguished function throughout the staff earlier than changing into the only proprietor in December 1997, after the demise of his father, Robert Irsay.

Throughout his time with the group, the Colts gained 10 division championships, made two Tremendous Bowl appearances and oversaw the staff profitable their fourth title in 2006, when Indianapolis defeated the Chicago Bears in Tremendous Bowl XLI.

“Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit,” the staff added.

Earlier on Wednesday, Irsay tweeted his help for the Indiana Pacers forward of Recreation 1 of the Japanese Convention finals towards the New York Knicks.

“Go PACERS. Good luck to Herb, the entire @Pacers organization, and our city!,” Irsay wrote.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell referred to as Irsay a “friend” and a “man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts, and the Indianapolis community.”

“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. 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,” Goodell added.

“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 beforehand struggled with dependancy points; in an interview with Actual Sports activities on HBO, Irsay stated he had been to rehab no less than 15 instances and had beforehand overdosed after mixing a number of medication on the similar time. He was arrested in 2014 for working a automobile whereas intoxicated and prescription tablets have been present in his possession.

In December 2023, Irsay was discovered unresponsive and chilly to the contact in what a police report described as an overdose. The Colts later responded to the report in an announcement, saying Irsay “continues to recover from his respiratory illness.” Irsay all the time denied that the incident was an overdose.

Irsay was an advocate for these coping with dependancy points and sometimes spoke about eliminating the stigma round dependancy points. In 2018, he buy the founding doc of Alcoholics Nameless with plans to make it obtainable to the general public, according to the Associated Press.

Irsay was a collector of historic gadgets, together with the unique scroll manuscript of Jack Kerouac’s “On The Road,” which was written on to eight sheets of paper that had been taped collectively to permit the Beat author to write down constantly on his typewriter.

The Irsay Collection additionally consisted of lots of of musical devices owned by well-known musicians, the boots Muhammad Ali wore throughout his well-known “Thrilla in Manila” combat towards Joe Frazier, the volleyball Wilson from the film “Castaway” and letters from Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

The eclectic Colts proprietor additionally performed in his eponymous band, typically enjoying at occasions showcasing gadgets from his assortment.

Former Colts quarterback and Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer Peyton Manning stated he was “heartbroken” to listen to about Irsay’s passing.

“He was an incredibly generous and passionate owner and I will always be indebted to him for giving me my start in the NFL,” Manning wrote. “His love for the Colts and the city of Indy was unmatched. His impact on the players who played for him will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone in the Colts community. He will be missed. Jim, rest in peace my friend, #18.”

The Colts are scheduled to open up the 2025 NFL common season at dwelling towards the Miami Dolphins on September 7.

This story has been up to date with further reporting.