(Indianapolis, IN) – Jim Irsay—one of the most influential people the city of Indianapolis has ever seen—has passed at the age of 65.
The Colts announced the news of Irsay passing on Wednesday evening, three weeks shy of his 66th birthday.
Colts Chief Operating Officer Pete Ward released the following statement, announcing the passing of Irsay:
“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.”
Irsay is survived by his 3 daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson.
This past season marked Irsay’s 53rd as a part of the Colts organization. That dates back to 1972, when his father, Robert Irsay, bought the team. Growing up in a family that owned an NFL team allowed for Irsay to work a variety of different roles within the organization, whether that be in the ticketing department or football operations.
Irsay actually became the youngest general manager in NFL history (24 years old) when the Colts moved to Indianapolis in 1984. Because of this, Irsay had a unique path to NFL ownership, especially compared to most around the league.
During Irsay’s ownership, the Colts won 10 division championships, made two Super Bowl appearances and captured Super Bowl XLI. The greatest regular season run in NFL history occurred under Irsay, with the Colts winning a league-record 115 games in a single decade, from 2000-2009. That included an NFL-record 23 straight regular season wins from 2008-09.
Long a public advocate for the city of Indianapolis hosting more and more major events, Irsay helped Indy get the Super Bowl in February 2012. By all accounts, that Super Bowl was one of the most successful and universally praised in league history.
Irsay clearly had a strong impression on many Colts players, including some of the best in franchise history.
Both Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison chose Irsay to be their respective presenters for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Such a decision is a rare one for players being inducted into the Hall.
“Jim Irsay’s my man,” James explained in explaining his decision to have Irsay present him into Canton, Ohio. “He’s always taken good care of me. Irsay has always been, like, super cool from Day 1. Even though I went to Arizona (as a free agent), the relationship remained the same. He’s an important person to myself and the relationship that we’ve built over the years. I have so much respect for Mr. Irsay and the organization, I thought it would only be right.”
Irsay’s philanthropic efforts were abundant, and many never reached the public spotlight. For the past decade, Irsay has continued to play host to the Chuckstrong Gala, which has helped raise more than $15 million in cancer research. This event has continued despite the Colts firing Pagano following the 2017 season. Pagano has often praised Irsay for what the owner did for the head coach during his bout with leukemia during the fall of 2012.
Telling Jim Irsay’s story cannot be done in a succinct matter.
Admittedly, Irsay has battled addiction for years.
In 2024, Irsay told HBO that he had been in rehab at least 15 times and overdosed on one occasion. Irsay was arrested for DUI back in 2014, and was subsequently suspended by the NFL for 6 games.
Over the past year plus, more concern has grown over Irsay’s health.
Irsay’s passing occurs at a time where the long-timer owner continued to make a strong effort away from football, throughout the community of Indianapolis.
Part of his own history in battling addiction is why Irsay, and his family, wanted to start the “Kicking the Stigma” program a few years back. The initiative is targeted to raise awareness about mental health disorders and remove the stigma that can be associated with those illness. Since its beginning in 2020, more than $24 million has been raised for expanding mental health treatment and research and raising awareness in Indiana, and beyond.
Interests for Irsay away from his love of football included a rich passion for rock music, the arts and his children/grandchildren.
In recent years, Irsay created the Jim Irsay Band and the Irsay Collection. He made stops around the country, holding free concerts and showcasing various instruments from iconic musicians, with a traveling museum.
Upon the passing of Robert Irsay in 1997, Irsay took over as the sole owner of the team.
Without question, Irsay is one of the most impactful people the city of Indianapolis, or the state of Indiana, has ever seen.
By helping grow the Colts brand in Indy, their presence has played a massive role in shifting the look and attraction of downtown Indianapolis.
On Wednesday night, the NFL released the following statement from Commissioner Roger Goodell.
“We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay’s passing today. 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.
“Within the League, Jim was an active Chairman of the Legislative Committee and 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. 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.”
Along with his 3 daughters, Irsay is survived by 10 grandchildren.
(Story by Network Indiana)