Jim Irsay’s prophetic final post stunned fans on Wednesday as the Pacers pulled off an incredible victory following the Colts owner’s sudden death.
Irsay, 65, died in his sleep on Wednesday afternoon, the Colts announced.
But just hours before, around noon ET, he delivered a message of support to a fellow Indiana franchise before their huge Eastern Conference Finals opener against the Knicks.
‘Go PACERS. Good luck to [owner] Herb [Simon], the entire organization, and our city!’,’ he wrote.
Following Irsay’s post and his passing, the Pacers produced a stunning 138-135 overtime win in New York, after erasing a 17-point Knicks advantage in the fourth quarter.
The Pacers trailed by as much as 14 with less than three minutes remaining, but pulled off a miraculous comeback as Aaron Nesmith hit six three-pointers in the fourth quarter (30 points overall), while Tyrese Haliburton had 31.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay died at the age of 65, the team announced Wednesday
His last social media post was a message of encouragement for the Indiana Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers to a stunning comeback over the Knicks hours later
And fans were taken aback by Irsay’s last message after the Pacers’ win.
‘Did it for Jim,’ one wrote on X.
‘RIP to a man that cared about the city as much as anyone. Thanks for the help tonight,’ another added.
‘I think I may know where that high bounce at the end of regulation came from,’ a third said, referencing Haliburton’s game-tying buzzer beater at the end of regulation.
And a fourth added: ‘You were definitely there tonight, Mr. Irsay.’
Irsay, who had battled alcoholism and addiction issues, was rarely seen in public during the last NFL season.
He had also become less visible following a fall at his home in December 2023.
In that instance, police officers from Carmel, Indiana responded to a 911 call from Irsay´s home and officers found him breathing but unresponsive and with a bluish skin tone.
The report said Pete Ward, Irsay´s longtime right-hand man and the teams chief operating officer, told officers he was worried Irsay was suffering from congestive heart failure and that Irsay´s nurse had said his oxygen level was low, his breathing was labored and he was ‘mostly’ unconscious.
Police later characterized the incident in a report as a suspected overdose. A month later, he was diagnosed with a respiratory illness.
During his annual training camp news conference last summer, Irsay told reporters he was continuing to rehab from two subsequent surgeries – though he remained seated in his golf cart. Irsay did not speak during the recent NFL draft as he typically did.
Irsay admitted he had partaken in rehab for alcoholism and painkiller addiction at least 15 times
The Pacers’ Aaron Nesmith had an enormous night, as he poured in 30 points following Irsay’s death
Irsay lifts the Lombardi Trophy after the Colts beat the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI
A Colts statement on Wednesday 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.
‘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.’
