Marking the end of an era for a franchise that became a powerhouse under his leadership, a National Football League team owner has died at age 65.
See the tweet below.
The team announced that Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay passed away peacefully in his sleep, abruptly ending his nearly three-decade tenure as one of the NFL’s most passionate and unconventional team owners.
Irsay’s journey with the Colts began as a ball boy before he inherited the team from his father in 1997, becoming the NFL’s youngest owner at just 37 years old.
His path to ownership represented the American dream of family business succession, which is increasingly rare in today’s corporate sports world, where billionaire outsiders routinely purchase teams as investment vehicles rather than family legacies.
Under Irsay’s leadership, the Colts experienced their most successful period in franchise history, making 16 playoff appearances and winning Super Bowl XLI in 2007 against the Chicago Bears.
His bold decision to draft Peyton Manning in 1998 set the foundation for the team’s dominance throughout the 2000s, establishing Indianapolis as a football powerhouse despite being one of the league’s smaller markets.
Breaking: Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay died Wednesday at the age of 65, the team announced. pic.twitter.com/UwKiXKNbfR
— ESPN (@espn) May 21, 2025
The Colts organization released a statement expressing their grief:
“We are devastated to announce that our beloved Owner and 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.”
Unlike many team owners who remain distant from their players, Irsay maintained close relationships with Colts stars.
His commitment to keeping the franchise in Indianapolis required overcoming significant financial hurdles, including a 55% inheritance tax that threatened the team’s future in the city.
His determination to preserve the team for his family was evident when he previously stated: “We’re keeping 100% of the team that I’m passing on to my children.”
Yet, Irsay’s life was not without challenges. He battled addiction to alcohol and painkillers, attending rehab multiple times.
In 2014, he made headlines after being arrested for driving under the influence with prescription pills in his possession.
But contrary to many public figures who hide their struggles, Irsay used his experiences to support mental health initiatives and help others facing similar battles.
Beyond football, Irsay was known for his passion for music and extensive collection of historical memorabilia, which he generously shared with people worldwide.
This collection included guitars from legendary musicians and historical artifacts that celebrated American cultural heritage.
His last public message supported another Indianapolis team, encouraging the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
Colts legend Peyton Manning is one of those players, and he is “heartbroken” by Irsay’s death. He expressed his sadness, saying:
“I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay’s passing. He was an incredibly generous and passionate owner and I will always be indebted to him for giving me my start in the NFL…”
Irsay’s three daughters, who already hold ownership titles and leadership roles within the organization, are expected to continue his legacy with the franchise.
His dedication to keeping the Colts a family business contrasts with the increasing corporate takeover of professional sports teams across America.
In today’s era of professional sports, where ownership increasingly falls to faceless investment groups and international conglomerates, Irsay represented a dying breed of hands-on, passionate team owners committed to their local communities.
