Remembering Jim Irsay: A Legacy of Heart, History, and Horseshoes
Hey everyone, today I want to take a moment to reflect on the life of Jim Irsay, the longtime owner of the Indianapolis Colts, who passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 65. It’s a tough day for the NFL community because we didn’t just lose a team owner—we lost one of the league’s most passionate and colorful personalities.
Jim Irsay wasn’t your typical NFL owner. He lived and breathed Colts football. His connection with the team began in 1984 when he was named vice president and general manager after his father moved the franchise from Baltimore to Indianapolis. Twelve years later, he inherited ownership following his father’s passing and spent the next 27 years shaping the Colts into a powerhouse. Under his leadership, the team posted a 257-194-1 record—sixth-best in the NFL during that stretch. They reached four AFC Championship Games and appeared in two Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XLI against the Bears. Yet, Irsay’s favorite memory wasn’t that victory—it was Peyton Manning’s first snap as a Colt in 1998. That tells you everything about who he was: someone who valued the journey and the people just as much as the results.
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Peyton Manning, in a heartfelt message, said he was heartbroken by Irsay’s passing and praised him as a generous, passionate leader who gave him his start. That relationship—one of mutual respect and genuine friendship—symbolizes the type of owner Irsay was. He was seen by many players as the ultimate player’s owner, someone who cared deeply about their lives on and off the field.
And beyond football, Irsay had a deep love for history and music. His personal collection of historical artifacts is legendary, containing over 500 items, including Muhammad Ali’s championship belt, a Ringo Starr drum set, and even a copy of the Declaration of Independence. He once turned down over a billion dollars for it—that’s how much these pieces meant to him. He believed in preserving history, in celebrating culture, and in sharing it with the world.
Just hours before he passed, Jim tweeted a message supporting the Indiana Pacers. In a poetic twist, the Pacers pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in NBA playoff history that night. It's almost like his final cheer helped lift them over the top. That was Jim—always supporting Indy, always a fan at heart.
As the Colts now prepare for the next chapter, the Irsay legacy will continue through his daughters—Carlie, Casey, and Kalen—who hold key roles in the franchise and are set to carry forward his vision and spirit. While no one can replace Jim Irsay, the values he instilled in the organization are here to stay.
We’ll miss his eccentric energy, his love of music and memorabilia, and most importantly, his commitment to the game and to people. Rest easy, Jim. You left the NFL—and the world—a lot better than you found it.
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