Death of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay at 65 years old

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died at the age of 65.

Irsay, who was rarely seen in public during the last NFL season, died in his sleep on Wednesday afternoon, the team announced.

The Colts’ owner, known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial nature, started as a team ball boy. Over time, he familiarized himself with every position within the organization before eventually assuming control of the franchise.

Under his leadership, the Colts achieved victory in the Super Bowl against the Chicago Bears in 2007, with Peyton Manning as the quarterback. He also supervised the construction of the team’s Lucas Oil Stadium.

However, away from football, Irsay battled crippling addiction problems and personal demons. He had three daughters with ex-wife Meg Coyle.

During a 2023 interview conducted by HBO Sports, Irsay disclosed that he had sought treatment for alcoholism and painkiller addiction on at least 15 occasions. Despite this struggle, he proudly stated that he had refrained from consuming alcohol since 2002.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died at the age of 65, the team announced Wednesday

Irsay admitted he had partaken in rehab for alcoholism and painkiller addiction at least 15 times

Irsay had become less visible following a fall at his home in December 2023.

Police officers from Carmel, Indiana responded to a 911 call from Irsay´s home and officers found him breathing but unresponsive and with a bluish skin tone.

The report said Pete Ward, Irsay´s longtime right-hand man and the teams chief operating officer, told officers he was worried Irsay was suffering from congestive heart failure and that Irsay´s nurse had said his oxygen level was low, his breathing was labored and he was ‘mostly’ unconscious.

Police later characterized the incident in a report as a suspected overdose. A month later, he was diagnosed with a respiratory illness.

During his annual training camp news conference last summer, Irsay told reporters he was continuing to rehab from two subsequent surgeries – though he remained seated in his golf cart. Irsay did not speak during the recent NFL draft as he typically did. 

A Colts statement on Wednesday read: ‘We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & 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.

‘Jim’s generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state of Indiana and the country. He made philanthropy a daily endeavor. He never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives. 

‘Music was one of Jim’s passions and the ability to share his band and collection with millions of people across the world brought him tremendous joy. 

‘Simply put, he wanted to make the world a better place and that philosophy never wavered. Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit.’

Irsay lifts the Lombardi Trophy after the Colts beat the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI

Peyton Manning takes congratulations from Irsay during their Super Bowl victory celebration

Irsay was arrested in 2014 for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, which he later claimed was because he was targeted for being ‘a rich, white billionaire.’

At the time, Irsay insisted a recent hip surgery was why he failed a field sobriety test and not alcohol.

Also in 2014, a woman alleged to be Irsay’s mistress was found dead in a townhouse provided by the billionaire, according to IndyStar.com.

Irsay’s fortune comes from his family’s heating and cooling (HVAC) empire, not to mention the Colts, a team his late father bought in Baltimore in 1972 before famously moving the franchise to Indianapolis nine years later.

Irsay began his football life as a ball boy after his late father, Robert, acquired the team in a trade with the late Carroll Rosenbloom, who took over the Los Angeles Rams. 

The younger Irsay then worked his way up, becoming the youngest general manager in NFL history at age 24. He succeeded his father as owner in early 1997.

He also collected guitars, befriended musicians and often found inspiration in rock ´n´ roll lyrics.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said: ‘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. 

‘He spent his life and career in the National Football League. Starting as a teenager as a Colts’ ballboy, he learned every position in the organization before assuming leadership of the Colts approximately 30 years ago. Jim’s Colts won the Super Bowl, hosted another and built Lucas Oil Stadium.

The oldest of Irsay’s daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, is set to take Colts principal ownership

An X account belonging to Irsay sent a good luck message to the Pacers on Wednesday 

‘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.’

According to The Athletic, the oldest of Irsay’s three daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, is expected to assume principal ownership duties of the Colts.

It’s claimed Irsay preferred all three of his daughters, Carlie, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, would work together as co-owners.

An X account belonging to Irsay posted a good luck message to the Indiana Pacers earlier in the day. It read: ‘Go PACERS. Good luck to Herb, the entire @Pacers organization, and our city!’, referencing their NBA playoff game with the New York Knicks.