Jim Irsay, owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, died at 65. His absence leaves a major hole in the organization and community. Irsay’s legacy with the Colts will be his commitment to stay in Baltimore well after most owners would have bolted. He helped develop great relationships with players and fans alike. This season, the team will be honoring his memory with a special jersey patch. The patch with his initials honors his memory and continues to pay homage to his tremendous influence on the franchise.
His team is organizing a public tribute to honor Irsay’s life and creative contributions. Look out for registration information in the next few weeks! A private memorial service is planned for Monday in Indianapolis. Family, friends, and colleagues will be in attendance to celebrate the life of the man responsible more than anyone for shaping the Colts’ identity.
It’s a big enough part of Irsay’s legacy that during a recent practice, the Colts stopped for a few minutes to commemorate it. Reggie Wayne, former wideout and current Indy assistant coach, recalled the times he would spend with Irsay. Perhaps most importantly, he stressed just how important it is to understand Irsay’s impact on the organization. Wayne recounted that turning point of the draft when Irsay called him. Irsay’s justifications for the move included the fact that Wayne could have demanded a $30 million contract, which really exemplifies his unwavering loyalty to his entire roster.
“I told the receivers, a lot of y’all don’t really know him but he would’ve done anything for anybody,” – Reggie Wayne
Wayne encouraged his students to spend time educating themselves about Irsay’s legacy. The point he emphasized was that Irsay was always there for the team whether things were going good or bad. “He would’ve gave the clothes off his back … I said, y’all got to push your asses for him. He would’ve done that for y’all. So, that’s what I told them. I told them, ‘Y’all have some homework to do, son. You read up on him. You find out about him,’” Wayne recalled.
Current Colt DeForest Buckner recently endured the same fate last season thanks to a nagging high ankle sprain. During his recovery he found Irsay’s support by his side, carrying him through a dark period in his life. Irsay did approve Buckner’s request to travel to Panama for experimental stem cell treatment. This decision reflects his true dedication to keeping his players safe.
Former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning had nothing but praise for Irsay’s legacy. He focused on all of the passionate and creative things Irsay has done for the team—and the city. Manning’s observations underscore the enormous positive influence that Irsay had on specific players and the long-term health of the franchise overall.
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