Indianapolis Colts’ longtime music-loving owner Jim Irsay dies at 65, leaving behind an unforgettable NFL legacy

The NFL has lost one of its most passionate, charismatic, and influential figures. Jim Irsay, the longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 65. The news was confirmed by the Colts, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in both the team’s history and the broader football world.“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep,” said Colts COO Pete Ward. “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’s impact on the Colts cannot be overstated. Taking full control of the franchise in 1997 after the passing of his father, Robert Irsay, he led the team into its most successful era. Under his leadership, the Colts drafted quarterback Peyton Manning in 1998, a decision that transformed the franchise into a perennial contender. Over the next decade, the Colts captured eight division titles and culminated their dominance with a Super Bowl XLI victory in 2006 against the Chicago Bears.But Irsay’s journey with the Colts began long before he assumed ownership. Raised in a football household, he joined the organization as a teenager, taking on roles that spanned from equipment manager to front-office executive. In 1984, at just 24 years old, he became the youngest general manager in NFL history—the same year the Colts relocated from Baltimore to Indianapolis. When his father suffered a stroke in 1995, Jim stepped up to oversee day-to-day operations, cementing his leadership role.Away from the field, Irsay was as distinctive as they come. He embraced life with a deep passion for music, curating an impressive collection of music memorabilia that he often showcased during public exhibitions and jam sessions with his band. His philanthropy was equally powerful, with generous contributions aimed at mental health, addiction recovery, and support for marginalized communities across Indiana and beyond.“Simply put, he wanted to make the world a better place and that philosophy never wavered,” Ward said. “Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere.”Irsay leaves behind a legacy carried by his daughters—Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson—who are already actively involved in team operations. Though the franchise has yet to announce formal succession plans, the Irsay legacy appears set to continue through them.The official cause of Jim Irsay’s death was not revealed in the Indianapolis Colts’ statement, yet his declining health over the years paints a complex picture. In December 2023, police in Carmel, Indiana, found him unresponsive with agonal breathing and a weak pulse. Narcan was administered, and while he “responded slightly,” the event was labeled a suspected overdose. Still, Irsay later attributed the scare to a hematoma from a leg injury.Battling addiction for decades, Irsay once admitted to 15 rehab stints and surviving a previous overdose where he “went code blue.” His 2014 DUI arrest added to a troubled past. Yet, through it all, his love for the Colts and football remained, with the organization noting, “some of Jim’s fondest memories came from his youth working training camps in Baltimore.”Survived by his ex-wife, Meg Coyle, and ten grandchildren, Jim Irsay’s influence extended well beyond football. He shaped a generation of Colts fans and brought a spirit to the league that was uniquely his.Also Read: Taylor Swift cuts off Blake Lively over explosive legal scandal: Travis Kelce caught in the crossfire as explosive private texts and betrayal surface