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Jim Irsay dies at 65: NFL world mourns sudden loss of Colts owner, Super Bowl champion

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Jim Irsay dies at 65: NFL world mourns sudden loss of Colts owner, Super Bowl champion

Jim Irsay, the longtime owner of the Colts who helmed the team to a Super Bowl 41 title back in 2007, died on Wednesday. He was 65 years old.

His franchise released a statement announcing his passing on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday evening.

“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner and CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,” the statement read. “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 daughter, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we. grieve with them.”

Irsay took ownership of the franchise upon his father’s death in 1997, although he had been running day-to-day management of the organization since 1995. Under his tutelage, Indianapolis became one of the league’s most consistent sides, tallying the sixth-most wins during his 28-year tenure in charge (257).

“We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay’s passing today,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Jim was a friend, and a man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts and the Indianapolis community.”

“On behalf of the entire NFL, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jim’s daughters and their families, and to his many friends through the NFL.”

A Lincolnwood, Ill. native, Jim Irsay spent much of his life buzzing around the gridiron. Irsay’s father, Robert, was a noted businessman. In 1972, he assumed ownership of the then-Baltimore Colts, shelling out $19 million to nab the franchise.

Irsay was just 12 when the transaction went through. He immediately flocked to the team, serving as a ballboy. He also answered phones in the ticket office.

After making waves at Loyola Academy, Irsay earned a walk-on spot as a linebacker at SMU. An injury spelled a premature end to his playing career. But Irsay parlayed his familial connections into a spot on the Colts’ staff. By 1984, Irsay — just 24 — sat in the organization’s vice president and general manager roles.

Irsay was an eccentric presence in Indianapolis’ front office, routinely grabbing headlines with controversial comments and decisions. He played a pivotal role in preventing Rush Limbaugh from purchasing the Rams and called on Daniel Snyder to sell the Commanders back in 2022.

Irsay is survived by his daughters, Carlie, Casey, and Kalen, as well as 10 grandchildren.

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Jim Irsay cause of death

Irsay’s cause of death wasn’t yet made known, but it was reported that he died in his sleep. He had dealt with his fair share of health issues in recent years. Police found the former Colts owner unresponsive in his home back in December, and he was kept away from the team throughout the 2024 season while being treated for “a severe respiratory illness.”

He also was open about his struggles with addiction, as Irsay went to rehab at least 15 times and once said he nearly died of an overdose.

Jim Irsay tributes

Football luminaries far and wide offered condolences and memories of Irsay on social media. Here are some of the most notable responses following the famed owner’s shock passing.

Colts record under Jim Irsay’s ownership

Under Irsay’s 28-year stewardship, the Colts posted a 257-194-1 record, the joint-sixth best win rate (.570) in the league during that spell.

Here’s a look at how Indianapolis’ win tally compares to other NFL elite during that same span.

Rank Team Wins
1 Patriots 297
2 Packers 283
3 Steelers 279
4 Ravens 264
5 Chiefs 261
6 Colts 257
7 Eagles 256
8 Seahawks 254
9 Broncos 249
10 Vikings 248



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