{"id":95342,"date":"2025-06-01T09:28:20","date_gmt":"2025-06-01T09:28:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/95342\/"},"modified":"2025-06-01T09:28:20","modified_gmt":"2025-06-01T09:28:20","slug":"colts-owner-jim-irsay-dies-at-65-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/95342\/","title":{"rendered":"Colts owner Jim Irsay dies at 65"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jim Irsay, longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts<\/a> and a transformative figure in Indiana sports and community, died May 21. He was 65.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are devastated to announce our beloved owner and CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,\u201d the Colts said in a statement. \u201cJim\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Irsay is survived by his daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson.<\/p>\n

The Colts extended their \u201cdeepest sympathies\u201d to his family and pledged to honor his legacy.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

He was just 25, making him the youngest general manager in franchise history.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s first and only Super Bowl victory in 2006.<\/p>\n

\u201cJim\u2019s 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,\u201d the team stated.<\/p>\n

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell remembered Irsay as a lifelong contributor to the league and a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay\u2019s passing today,\u201d Goodell said. \u201cJim was a friend and a man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts and the Indianapolis community.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Indianapolis(Photo\/Indianapolis Colts official Facebook page)<\/p>\n

Goodell added that Irsay led with integrity, passion and care in his work as chairman of the league\u2019s Legislative Committee and a member of the Finance Committee.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the commissioner highlighted Irsay\u2019s philanthropic efforts and personal passions, including his notable collection of music and historical artifacts, which Irsay regularly toured and exhibited to the public.<\/p>\n

\u201cOutside 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,\u201d Goodell said.<\/p>\n

Irsay\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives,\u201d the Colts said. \u201cMusic was one of Jim\u2019s passions and the ability to share his band and collection with millions of people across the world brought him tremendous joy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Herb Simon, owner of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, also expressed grief at Irsay\u2019s passing, describing him as more than the owner of the Indianapolis Colts.<\/p>\n

\u201cJim 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,\u201d Simon said. \u201cJim 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Irsay\u2019s deep ties to Indianapolis sports, civic life and charitable causes made him one of the city\u2019s most prominent public figures. His impact is evident in the institutions he supported and the lives he touched.<\/p>\n

\u201cSimply put, he wanted to make the world a better place, and that philosophy never wavered,\u201d the Colts\u2019 statement concluded.<\/p>\n

Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on TikTok @Horsemensportsmedia<\/a>. For more news, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Senior<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n