The Indianapolis Colts announced Wednesday, May 21, that longtime NFL owner Jim Irsay, who led the franchise since 1997, has died. He was 65.
How did Irsay impact the Colts and the NFL?
The mercurial owner was outspoken, sometimes controversial, and publicly battled alcoholism and addiction for decades while presiding over one of the most successful periods in the team’s history.
The Colts drafted Peyton Manning first overall in 1998, and the team went 3-13 with the rookie quarterback under head coach Jim Mora, Sr. The next season, they won the AFC East division with a 13-3 record and went to the playoffs. Along with stars like Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James and head coach Tony Dungy, the Colts made 11 playoff appearances in the next 12 seasons. In 2007, the Colts beat the Chicago Bears 29-17 in the Super Bowl. It was the first and only title under Irsay’s ownership.
The oldest of Irsay’s three daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, is expected to assume principal ownership duties of the team. Chief Operating Officer Pete Ward and general manager Chris Ballard are expected to continue their active roles in the day-to-day operations.
“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,” Ward said in a statement. “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.”
What led to Irsay’s addiction issues?
Irsay played linebacker at Southern Methodist University before an ankle injury ended his career. Several surgeries eventually led to his dependence on prescription medications.
In September 2014, he was suspended by the NFL for six games after pleading guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He was also fined $500,000. Later in life, Irsay became a strong advocate for overcoming addiction and made it a personal mission to help people suffering from mental health issues.
In 2020, the Colts launched an initiative called “Kicking The Stigma.” The project has raised millions of dollars to provide resources for mental health programs and encourage people suffering from mental illness to seek help.
“I know what it’s like to be at hell’s gates. I know what it’s like to feel the bars of hell and be in that darkness,” Irsay said about the program. “When I do this work, it’s to try to save and help one person, one at a time, not because of our brand, not because it looks good for the family to have a great charity. None of that stuff. It’s the empathy and the tremendous compassion that you develop as a human being because we’re taught from what we go through, we can share our strength, hope and experience to alleviate suffering from others.”
What are others saying about Irsay?
Statements from NFL teams and players honoring Irsay continue to be posted on social media. Manning expressed his condolences on Instagram.
“I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay’s passing,” Manning said. “He was an incredibly generous and passionate owner and I will always be indebted to him for giving me my start in the NFL. His love for the Colts and the city of Indy was unmatched.”
Irsay is survived by his daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, his ex-wife Meg Coyle, and 10 grandchildren.
