JIM IRSAY DIED
Indianapolis The Colts' longstanding owner,
Jim Irsay,
who had been in charge of the organization since 1997 and presided over one of its most prosperous periods, died on Wednesday. He was sixty-five. In a statement issued by the organization, Pete Ward, the Colts' chief operating officer, said: "We are extremely heartbroken to inform that our beloved owner and CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon. Jim was genuinely unparalleled in his devotion to the Indianapolis Colts, philanthropy, community service, and, most importantly, love for his family. Jim Irsay is survived by his ten grandkids, his previous wife, Meg Coyle, and his daughters, Carly Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson.
Carly Irsay-Gordon,
his oldest daughter, has been the most active team member and most famously took charge when her father was suspended by the NFL in 2014 after his DWI arrest. In a statement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell conveyed his grief: "We are extremely saddened to hear of Jim Irsay's loss. Jim was a buddy who had a strong passion for his family, the Colts, the game, and the city of Indianapolis. With honesty, enthusiasm, and concern for the team's players, coaches, and employees, he oversaw the Colts organization. His valiant support of mental health care will go on in his legacy. I would want to express the deepest sympathies of the entire NFL to Jim's daughters, their families, and all of his friends throughout the league.
Irsay was hospitalized when emergency personnel discovered him unresponsive in his bedroom in December 2023, raising questions about his health. The incident was subsequently reported by police as a suspected overdose. As Irsay was out of the public eye for weeks the following month, the Colts released a statement stating that he was being treated for a "serious respiratory illness." Irsay hasn't appeared in public very often since. He was conspicuously absent from both this week's league meeting in Eagan, Minnesota, and the NFL's annual gathering in Palm Beach, Florida, in March. Additionally, he was absent at the NFL Draft last month.
Ahead of the Indiana Pacers' Eastern Conference Finals opening game against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, Irsay had shared a supportive message on social media for the team and its owner, Herb Simon: "Go Pacers. I wish Herb, our city, and the whole @Pacers organization the best of luck. Among those lamenting Irsay's passing was Peyton Manning, the quarterback who is regarded as the best player in Colts history and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Manning wrote on social media, "I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Jim Irsay." He was a really giving and devoted owner, and I will always be appreciative that he helped me have my NFL start. He had an unrivaled passion for Indianapolis and the Colts. He left a lasting impression on the guys that played for him. His family and the entire Colts community are in my prayers and thoughts. We shall miss him. Jim, my friend, may you rest in peace."