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

Jim Irsay, the long-time owner of the Colts The coach who led the team to victory at Super Bowl 41 in 2007 passed away on Wednesday. He was 65 years old.

His franchise issued a statement via X, the platform previously called Twitter, on Wednesday night confirming his death.

We are deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of our cherished Owner and CEO, Jim Irsay, who departed peacefully during his rest today," stated the announcement. "His unwavering devotion and enthusiasm towards the Indianapolis Colts, alongside his philanthropy, community service, and above all else, his profound affection for his family stood out immensely. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his daughter, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, along with his whole family as they mourn.

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 profoundly saddened to hear about Jim Irsay's death today," stated NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. "He was both a friend and an individual who held deep commitments to his family, football, the Colts organization, and the city of Indianapolis.

"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.

Following his success at Loyola Academy, Irsay secured an opportunity to join Southern Methodist University (SMU) as a walk-on linebacker. However, an injury brought an early close to his athletic ambitions. Leveraging his family ties, he managed to get placed within the Indianapolis Colts’ organizational team. By 1984, when Irsay was merely 24 years old, he had advanced to become both the vice president and general manager of the franchise.

Irsay stood out as an unconventional figure within the Indianapolis organization, often making waves with his provocative statements and choices. His influence was evident when he helped block Rush Limbaugh’s attempt to buy the Rams and later urged Daniel Snyder to put the Commanders up for sale in 2022.

Irsay is survived by his daughters, Carlie, Casey, and Kalen, along with 10 grandchildren.

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The cause of death for Jim Irsay has not been mentioned. Could you be referring to his health conditions or an incident? Please provide more details so I can assist accurately. If your question pertains to someone else, kindly clarify as well.

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

Prominent figures from the football world shared their tributes and recollections of Irsay on social media platforms. Below are some of the key reactions to the unexpected death of the renowned team owner.

The Colts' performance during Jim Irsay's tenure as owner

During Irsay’s 28-year leadership, the Colts achieved a record of 257 wins, 194 losses, and one tie, placing them tied for sixth-best with a winning percentage of .570 throughout that period in the league.

Let's examine how Indianapolis' victory count measures up against other top-tier teams in the NFL over the same period.

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