Tribute for Jim Irsay:
It is with great sorrow that we share the passing of Jim Irsay, longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, who died on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the age of 65. Born in 1959, Jim Irsay carried the legacy of his father, Robert Irsay, by taking over the family’s NFL franchise in 1997 following his father’s death. Under Jim’s stewardship, the Colts became a perennial powerhouse in the NFL, achieving tremendous success, including a Super Bowl XLI victory in 2007 and numerous playoff appearances under quarterback Peyton Manning and head coach Tony Dungy.
Known for his passionate love of football, Jim Irsay wasn’t just a team owner—he was one of the league’s most outspoken and colorful personalities. He brought boldness, emotion, and a deep sense of loyalty to the Colts franchise and its fans. His leadership ushered in a new era of competitiveness and class for the team, and his emotional transparency connected him uniquely with the people of Indianapolis and beyond.
Beyond football, Irsay was widely recognized for his philanthropy, love of music, and remarkable personal collection of historic instruments and pop culture artifacts. He frequently lent these items to museums and public exhibits, sharing his enthusiasm with the world. Irsay also used his platform to advocate for mental health awareness and addiction recovery, openly sharing his personal struggles in the hope of helping others find healing.
The Colts organization released a statement mourning the loss of “a visionary leader, a generous soul, and a man whose heart beat for this team and city.” His death reportedly came suddenly, following a medical emergency earlier in the day. Jim Irsay is survived by his daughters—Carra, Casey, and Kalen—and a legacy of integrity, resilience, and a genuine love for the game and its people. A public memorial service is being planned, with details to be announced in the coming days. Tributes continue to pour in from across the NFL and the broader sports community. Rest in peace, Jim Irsay. Your spirit will forever echo through Lucas Oil Stadium.