Jim Irsay, Beloved Colts Owner and NFL Figure, Passes Away at 65

Jim Irsay was an active and forceful presence in N.F.L. circles and, unlike his fellow owners, rarely shied away from offering his opinions to reporters.Credit…Justin Casterline/Getty Imagess

Jim Irsay, the passionate and outspoken owner of the Indianapolis Colts who helped shape the team — and the NFL — into what it is today, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday at the age of 65.

The Colts’ COO Pete Ward confirmed the heartbreaking news, though no specific cause of death was released. Jim had been struggling with a number of health issues in recent years, including complications from hip surgery and a lifelong battle with alcohol addiction.

Despite these challenges, Jim Irsay remained an active and fiery presence in the NFL world, never hesitating to speak his mind. Whether it was about league finances, fellow owners, or player contracts, he wasn’t afraid to say what others only thought. He even served on the league’s prestigious finance committee — and did so with unmatched candor.

A Life Devoted to Football

Jim’s love for the game was lifelong. After his father, Robert Irsay, acquired the Baltimore Colts in a rare arrangement in 1972, he was raised surrounded by football. While his father was noted for his erratic behavior and contentious decision-making—such as relocating the team from Baltimore to Indianapolis under cover of night in 1984—Jim was the consistent force who added growth and legacy to the company.

Jim once said in an interview with The New York Times, “I’ve been blessed enough for 52 years to witness it… I wish I could live another 50 years. I’d love to see what the league is 50 years from now.” That kind of dedication is rare — and deeply admired.

A Bold Vision That Paid Off

In 1997, Jim officially took the reins of the Colts following the death of his father. At just 37, he became the youngest sole owner in the NFL. And it didn’t take long for him to change the team’s fate.

His smartest move? Hiring GM Bill Polian in 1998, who then drafted a young quarterback named Peyton Manning. What followed was more than a decade of excellence — including a Super Bowl win in the 2006 season.

Want to relive the Colts’ unforgettable Super Bowl moment? Check out this highlight reel from NFL.com 🎉

When Manning’s era ended due to injury, Irsay made another bold call by drafting Stanford star Andrew Luck, showing once again his fearlessness in leadership.

A Complex but Inspirational Life

Jim’s life off the field wasn’t always smooth. Headline from his 2014 drug and DUI arrest read: he was under a 6-game league suspension. Later he discussed his addiction experiences, using his platform to raise awareness of mental health and help remove stigma.

He also poured his energy into something many fans didn’t expect: music and sports memorabilia. From guitars played by Bob Dylan to Muhammad Ali’s championship belt, Irsay built a legendary collection — and took it on the road with free public exhibitions and live concerts.

You can explore some of his most iconic items on the Jim Irsay Collection site — it’s a celebration of art, music, and sports history.

“It’s about human beings being as great as they can and changing the world with love and strength,” Irsay once said about his collection. That passion for music, football, and humanity — defined him.

Remembering Jim Irsay

Born in Lincolnwood, Illinois, in 1959, Jim was the youngest of three children. Raised Catholic by his mother, he boxed and played football as a teen, and later studied broadcast journalism at Southern Methodist University.

Though injuries ended his college football days early, they didn’t stop his involvement in the sport. From teenage intern to vice president, GM, and eventually team owner, Jim spent his life dedicated to the Colts and the game he loved.

He is survived by his daughters Carlie, Casey, and Kalen — all of whom are actively involved with the Colts — along with seven grandchildren. His legacy lives on through them, the team, and the fans he inspired.

Colts fans and NFL lovers can leave their condolences and share memories on the official tribute page here.

Final Thoughts

Jim Irsay wasn’t just a team owner — he was a part of NFL history. His voice, heart, and passion helped elevate the league while staying grounded in the love of the game. Whether you admired him for his business moves, his bold honesty, or his commitment to mental health, there’s no doubt: he left a lasting legacy.

As Jim once said, “Rock ’n’ roll and NFL football — that’s America, man.”

Rest in peace, Jim. You truly played like a champion.