Jim Irsay, owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, died this week at 65 after heading the beloved franchise since 1997.
Colts COO Pete Ward announced Isray’s death in a statement released by the team on Wednesday, saying that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,” Ward said. “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.”
“Some of Jim’s fondest memories came from his youth working training camps in Baltimore and growing relationships with players, coaches, and staff whom he considered his extended family,” it continued. “He worked in every department before he was named the youngest general manager in team history in 1984 when the Colts arrived in Indianapolis. After he took sole ownership in 1997, he led the Colts to a long series of division titles and brought the city its first Super Bowl Championship. 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.”
According to ESPN, Irsay is survived by “his daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, his ex-wife and his daughters’ mother, Meg Coyle, and 10 grandchildren.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, in a statement on Wednesday, remembered Isray as a man deeply committed to his family and his team.
Since taking control of the franchise in 1997, the Colts have taken home the Lombardi Trophy once, in 2006. The team has also made 16 playoff appearances, the last being in 2020. The team won the 2009 AFC Conference Championship before losing Super Bowl XLIV to the New Orleans Saints, 31-17.
