Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died at the age of 65, the team has announced.
Irsay, who was rarely seen in public during the last NFL season, died in his sleep on Wednesday afternoon.
The Colts’ outspoken and controversial owner was once a team ball boy before learning every position in the organization and eventually taking control of the franchise.
He was in charge when the Colts won the Super Bowl against the Chicago Bears in 2007 and oversaw the construction of their Lucas Oil Stadium.
However, away from football, Irsay battled crippling addiction problems and personal demons.
In a 2023 interview with HBO Sports, Irsay admitted he had partaken in rehab for alcoholism and painkiller addiction at least 15 times but hadn’t consumed an alcoholic beverage since 2002.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died at the age of 65, the team announced Wednesday
Irsay admitted he had partaken in rehab for alcoholism and painkiller addiction at least 15 times
Irsay appeared on a StairSteady after the Colts’ final game of the regular season in January
He was also found unresponsive in his home in late 2023 on a suspected overdose.
NFL fans also showed concern for him when he emerged underneath Lucas Oil Stadium being guided around not under his own power back in January.
A Colts statement read: ‘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 was arrested in 2014 for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, which he now claims was because he was targeted for being ‘a rich, white billionaire.’
Irsay insisted a recent hip surgery was why he failed a field sobriety test, not alcohol.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said: ‘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.
‘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.’
An X account belonging to Irsay posted a good luck message to the Indiana Pacers earlier in the day. It read: ‘Go PACERS. Good luck to Herb, the entire @Pacers organization, and our city!’, referencing their NBA playoff game with the New York Knicks.
More to follow.
