INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts and one of the NFL’s most recognizable figures, died in his sleep Wednesday at the age of 65, the team announced.
"We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon," the Colts said in a statement. "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."
No cause of death was released. Irsay had battled ongoing health issues in recent years. When he appeared at Colts training camp last summer, it was his first public outing since the previous season. At the time, he told The Indianapolis Star he was recovering from multiple surgeries following a fall at his home.
Irsay assumed control of the Colts in 1997 after the death of his father, Robert Irsay, who purchased the franchise in 1972 and famously moved it from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984. Under Jim Irsay’s leadership, the Colts became one of the NFL’s premier organizations, winning Super Bowl XLI in 2007 behind quarterback Peyton Manning and head coach Tony Dungy. The team also reached another Super Bowl in 2010 and made consistent playoff appearances during Irsay’s tenure.
Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay DIes at 65
(Credit: nfl.com)
Statement from NFL 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."
Irsay also spoke openly about his struggles with addiction. In a 2023 interview with HBO’s Real Sports, he revealed that he had been in rehab at least 15 times and had once accidentally overdosed. His candor on the subject made him a prominent voice in mental health and addiction awareness circles.
Irsay is survived by his three daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, all of whom have held leadership roles within the Colts organization. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
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