Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, died of a heart attack during sleep. He celebrated his 65th birthday on May 21st. His passing marks the end of a giant era for the long-running franchise. He inherited the team when his father, Robert Irsay, died in 1997. Jim Irsay’s influence on the NFL extended beyond ownership; he was a prominent figure on various league committees and played a crucial role in the Colts’ success, including their Super Bowl victory after the 2006 season.
In the months leading up to the move, Irsay was an unusual no-show to his very much-previously, micromanaging, owner. Team officials said his absence was due to a serious respiratory illness. As news reports are starting to detail, he suffered from an unrelenting string of failures tied to a decades-long addiction to prescription opioids. This constant conflict took a heavy toll on his ability to deeply connect and immerse himself with the Colts and its assets.
Owner of the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay started his deep football pedigree as a ball boy for the Baltimore Colts in the early 1970s. His family legacy in the sport is notable. His father completed a franchise swap with Carroll Rosenbloom that brought the Colts to Indianapolis. Under Irsay’s leadership, the Colts transformed into a competitive force in the NFL, establishing a reputation for excellence and community involvement.
Irsay’s daughters—Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson—expressed their grief over their father’s death, highlighting both his professional achievements and personal struggles. Bob wasn’t just a team owner—he was a symbol of triumph over tragedy. More than anything, his profound love for family, friends, and community is what truly made him special.
“We continue to grieve the loss of our dad, a man defined not only by his role as owner of the Colts but also by his resilience, his personal struggles and his deep love for family, friends, and community.” – Irsay’s daughters
The daughters shared how much they appreciated their father’s openness about his ongoing struggles with addiction and mental health. They emphasized that he never claimed to be perfect but used his experiences to advocate for others facing similar challenges.
“Throughout his life, our dad was open about his battles with addiction and mental health. He never claimed to be perfect. Instead he used his voice to reduce stigma and advocate for those facing similar challenges with honesty, vulnerability and compassion.” – Irsay’s daughters
In a fitting tribute to his legacy, Jim Irsay is scheduled to be inducted into the Colts’ ring of honor alongside his father during the team’s season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 7.
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