The Indianapolis Colts have formally announced plans to honor the memory of longtime owner and CEO Jim Irsay, who passed away on May 21 at the age of 65.
The team revealed that two memorial events will be held – a private ceremony for family and close friends on June 2, followed by a separate public tribute at a later date for fans to mourn.
The specific location of the private memorial has not been disclosed, but the team emphasized its intent to offer Irsay‘s inner circle a respectful and intimate setting to mourn his loss without the attention of a public ceremony.
Numerous NFL figures, including former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, publicly expressed their condolences following his passing.
Irsay is survived by his daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson, who have been actively involved in the Colts organization for years and are expected to continue shaping the franchise’s future.
What was Irsay’s cause of death?
Whilst Irsay‘s death came after prolonged health complications and a well-documented history of substance use, he actually passed away peacefully in his sleep, according to the Colts.
Under his stewardship, the Colts entered a period of sustained success. The team won multiple AFC South titles and claimed victory in Super Bowl XLI, a milestone achievement for the franchise after relocating to Indianapolis.
His leadership style emphasized loyalty and personal connection, with former players and staff frequently describing him as someone who treated them like family highlighting the intimate bond.
And he was a trail blazer in his own right too. He began his NFL career at a young age, working for the Colts during their time in Baltimore, but at 24, he became the youngest general manager in league history. He took over ownership duties in 1997.
To honor his contributions, the Colts will wear a commemorative patch during the upcoming NFL season. The patch will feature Irsay‘s initials alongside his distinctive signature and a smiley face – a symbol often associated with his personality and approach to life.
His death comes after a scare in December 2023 when he was found unresponsive in his home, but was fortunately rescued by the efforts of first responders and hospitalized.
The Colts later attributed the health scare to complications from a leg injury and severe respiratory issues. However, the situation drew renewed attention to Irsay‘s decades-long battle with addiction.
Over the years, Irsay openly acknowledged his struggles, stating he had been to rehabilitation over 15 times and once revealed he had “gone code blue” during a previous overdose.
His personal challenges were often in the public eye and saw him become controversial at times, but despite these hardships, Irsay remained deeply committed to the Colts and its broader community.
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