The Indianapolis Colts have confirmed that longtime owner and CEO Jim Irsay passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon at the age of 65
COO Pete Ward released a statement expressing deep sorrow, calling Irsay’s dedication to the Colts and the community “unsurpassed.” He extended condolences to Irsay’s daughters and family, noting the profound impact Irsay made both within the NFL and across Indiana.
Jim Irsay began working in the Colts organization as a teen, eventually becoming the youngest GM in team history when the franchise moved to Indianapolis in 1984. He assumed sole ownership in 1997 and led the team to multiple division titles and its first Super Bowl victory.
Beyond football, Irsay was known for his philanthropy, love of music, and willingness to support causes that improved lives across the state. His contributions left a lasting imprint on Indianapolis….
The Indianapolis Colts organization and the broader NFL community are mourning the death of Jim Irsay, the team’s longtime owner and CEO, who passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon at the age of 65. The news marks the end of an era for the Colts and the city of Indianapolis, where Irsay’s influence extended far beyond football.
Pete Ward, the team’s Chief Operating Officer and a longtime colleague of Irsay, released a heartfelt statement confirming the loss. “Jim’s passion and dedication to this franchise and our community were truly unsurpassed,” Ward said. “On behalf of the entire Colts family, we extend our deepest condolences to his daughters, grandchildren, and loved ones. Jim’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.”
Jim Irsay’s relationship with the Colts began in his teenage years, working within the organization that his father, Robert Irsay, owned at the time. After the team relocated from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984, Jim was named the NFL’s youngest general manager. In 1997, following his father’s passing, Irsay took over as the sole owner of the franchise, becoming one of the league’s most visible and passionate leaders.
Under his stewardship, the Colts experienced their most successful era in team history. From the selection of Peyton Manning as the No. 1 overall pick in 1998 to the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory in the 2006 season, Irsay’s commitment to excellence and willingness to invest in talent helped turn the Colts into perennial contenders. Indianapolis won multiple AFC South titles and became a model for organizational stability and success in the NFL.
But Jim Irsay’s impact was not confined to football. He was a philanthropist whose generosity touched many aspects of life in Indiana and beyond. From mental health advocacy and addiction recovery programs to support for arts, education, and veterans’ initiatives, Irsay used his platform and resources to drive change and improve lives. He was also an avid music enthusiast, known for his remarkable collection of rock memorabilia and for hosting benefit concerts that merged his love of music with causes close to his heart.
“Jim believed in using football as a force for good,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement. “He brought energy and compassion to everything he did—from leading the Colts to elevating causes that mattered deeply to him. He will be missed as a friend, leader, and advocate.”
In Indianapolis, tributes began pouring in as fans, players, and civic leaders reflected on Irsay’s life and legacy. Lucas Oil Stadium, the house that many believe Irsay’s vision helped build, has become a gathering point for fans to pay their respects.
Though his voice will no longer echo through NFL owners’ meetings or press conferences, Jim Irsay’s presence will endure—in the wins, in the city he helped elevate, and in the lives he so generously gave to.
