Jim Irsay, longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts and a transformative figure in Indiana sports and community, died May 21. He was 65.
The Colts organization announced his death Wednesday evening on social media, describing Irsay as a devoted leader whose passion for football, philanthropy and community defined his life’s work.
“We are devastated to announce our beloved owner and CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,” the Colts 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.”
Irsay is survived by his daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson.
The Colts extended their “deepest sympathies” to his family and pledged to honor his legacy.
Born June 13, 1959, Irsay was introduced to professional football through his father, Robert Irsay, who purchased the then-Baltimore Colts in 1972. Jim joined the organization as a teenager, working in various capacities and eventually becoming general manager in 1984, the same year the team relocated to Indianapolis.
He was just 25, making him the youngest general manager in franchise history.
After his father died in 1997, Irsay took over as principal owner. Under his leadership, the Colts enjoyed unprecedented success, including multiple AFC South titles and the franchise’s first and only Super Bowl victory in 2006.
“Jim’s love and appreciation for the NFL in addition to its history, tradition and principles influenced him to become a steward of the game throughout his 50-plus years in the league,” the team stated.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell remembered Irsay as a lifelong contributor to the league and a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness.
“We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay’s passing today,” Goodell said. “Jim was a friend and a man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts and the Indianapolis community.”
Goodell added that Irsay led with integrity, passion and care in his work as chairman of the league’s Legislative Committee and a member of the Finance Committee.
Additionally, the commissioner highlighted Irsay’s philanthropic efforts and personal passions, including his notable collection of music and historical artifacts, which Irsay regularly toured and exhibited to the public.
“Outside of football, he was a talented musician and built an extraordinary collection of historical and musical artifacts that he shared with people across the country,” Goodell said.
Irsay’s generosity extended far beyond the football field. In Indianapolis and across Indiana, he was known as a tireless philanthropist who supported addiction recovery, mental health initiatives, education and countless local causes.
“He never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives,” the Colts said. “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.”
Herb Simon, owner of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, also expressed grief at Irsay’s passing, describing him as more than the owner of the Indianapolis Colts.
“Jim was a transformative figure in our city and state, a passionate advocate for the community and someone whose generosity, vision and spirit touched countless lives,” Simon said. “Jim helped shape our city into the sports capital it is today, and his legacy, both on and off the field, will continue to inspire us and generations to come.”
Irsay’s deep ties to Indianapolis sports, civic life and charitable causes made him one of the city’s most prominent public figures. His impact is evident in the institutions he supported and the lives he touched.
“Simply put, he wanted to make the world a better place, and that philosophy never wavered,” the Colts’ statement concluded.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on TikTok @Horsemensportsmedia. For more news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
