The Indianapolis Colts announced on Wednesday night that Jim Irsay, who has owned the team since 1997, has died at the age of 65.
“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,” Colts chief operating officer Pete Ward said in a statement released by the team. “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.”
Irsay is survived by his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, his ex-wife and his daughters’ mother, Meg Coyle, and 10 grandchildren.
“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,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “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. 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.”
In 1997, Irsay became the Colts’ owner at age 37, the youngest in the NFL at the time. Prior to his ownership of the Colts, Irsay was the team’s vice president/general manager.
His father, Robert, became the team’s owner in 1972 and moved it from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984.
During his stint as Colts owner, Irsay oversaw a timeline that was one of the best in team history. After drafting quarterback Peyton Manning No. 1 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft, the Colts finished with a record of 143-81 from 1998 to 2011. Indianapolis also defeated the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI in 2006, the franchise’s first championship since Super Bowl V before the team relocated from Baltimore in 1970.
During Irsay’s ownership, the Colts made the playoffs 16 times and won two AFC Championships (2006, 2009) in addition to their Super Bowl XLI victory. In 2012, after Manning had suffered a neck injury the previous season, Irsay and the Colts released Manning after 13 seasons.
In recent years, Irsay’s health became a massive concern. In 2014, he checked into a rehab center after he was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and four felony counts of possession of a controlled substance. Then, after first responders found him unresponsive in his bedroom in December 2023, police officers found Irsay unresponsive and cold to the touch with bluish skin after they characterized the incident as a suspected overdose.
After Irsay’s death, ownership of the Colts is expected to be transferred to his daughters.
“We’re keeping 100% of the team,” Irsay said after acquiring the team from his father, Robert. “I’m passing on to my children.”
Originally Published: May 21, 2025 at 8:05 PM EDT
