A towering figure in NFL circles and a true American success story has left behind an indelible legacy following his sudden passing at 65.
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Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, who took over from his father in 1997, built the Colts into a football powerhouse while maintaining strong family ownership.
The team confirmed in a statement that Irsay died peacefully in his sleep.
His passing marks the end of an era for one of the NFL’s most passionate and involved owners, who refused to bend to modern pressures to sell family-owned businesses to corporate interests.
In an age when many NFL teams have surrendered to corporate ownership or left their home cities for bigger markets, Irsay remained steadfast in his commitment to Indianapolis and his family’s legacy.
When he took control of the franchise in 1997, he became the NFL’s youngest owner, at just 37 years old. He explicitly stated his intention to preserve the family business.
Under Irsay’s leadership, the Colts experienced their most successful period, winning Super Bowl XLI in 2007 against the Chicago Bears.
His tenure included 16 playoff appearances and two AFC Championships, building the team into a respected organization that emphasized hard work, loyalty, and community values.
Irsay demonstrated tremendous courage in facing inheritance tax burdens that threatened his family’s ownership of the team.
When his father, Robert, died in 1997, Irsay had to overcome a crushing 55% inheritance tax, a government overreach that threatens many family businesses across America today.
“We’re keeping 100% of the team that I’m passing on to my children,” Irsay once declared, showing his commitment to preserving family ownership against the trend of corporate takeovers.
His business acumen was evident in the construction of Lucas Oil Stadium and his ability to keep the team competitive despite being in a smaller market.
Irsay’s daughters – Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson – all hold ownership titles and leadership roles in the organization, ensuring the family’s continued stewardship.
Beyond football, Irsay was known for his passion for music and American cultural history.
He amassed one of the world’s most significant collections of music memorabilia, preserving American cultural artifacts that might otherwise have been lost to time or foreign buyers.
Like many successful Americans, Irsay faced personal challenges throughout his life.
He battled addiction issues and health problems with dignity and perseverance, showing the same fighting spirit that characterized his approach to business and football.
In a sports world increasingly dominated by international owners and corporate interests with little connection to American values and traditions, he stood as a beacon for family ownership and community engagement.
His loyalty to Indianapolis, refusal to sell out to corporate interests, and commitment to passing his legacy to his daughters represent values that true patriots can admire.
NFL legend Peyton Manning, who was drafted by Irsay in 1998, paid tribute to his former boss:
“I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay’s passing. He was an incredibly generous and passionate owner and I will always be indebted to him for giving me my start in the NFL. His love for the Colts and the city of Indy was unmatched. His impact on the players who played for him will not be forgotten.”
At the end, Colts fans and the larger NFL community will remember his remarkable achievements both on and off the field.
BREAKING: Indianapolis Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay has died, the team announced. He was 65. pic.twitter.com/tQlqgqFGDh
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 21, 2025
