Jim Irsay, the longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, has died at the age of 65. The NFL team confirmed the news with a heartfelt statement, describing Irsay as a passionate leader whose love for the Colts, his family, and the Indianapolis community was unwavering.
Irsay’s passing marks the end of an era for the Colts, a franchise he led for decades with both business acumen and deep emotional investment. While the official cause of death has not been released, his recent health issues have been widely documented.
Years of health issues and addiction
Irsay’s struggle with addiction and medical problems was not a secret. In December 2023, he was found unresponsive in his Indiana home, reportedly showing signs of an opioid overdose. Police at the scene administered Narcan, an emergency drug used to reverse opioid effects. Though Irsay regained slight consciousness, he was hospitalized, and the incident was later classified as a suspected overdose.
Despite a later statement by the Colts attributing the episode to a leg injury and severe respiratory illness, the incident raised questions given Irsay’s long-documented history of substance use and recovery. Over the years, Irsay admitted to entering rehab more than 15 times and once said he “went code blue” during a previous overdose.
In 2014, he was arrested for driving under the influence with multiple prescription drugs in his system, leading to disciplinary actions from the NFL. His earlier years were also marked by investigations into his connections with “pill mill” doctors in Indiana.
From ball boy to Super Bowl champion
Despite his personal challenges, Irsay’s football legacy is undeniable. He grew up around the sport, working training camps as a youth during the Colts‘ Baltimore days. In 1984, at just 24 years old, he became the youngest general manager in NFL history. He later assumed full control of the team in 1997.
Under his leadership, the Colts experienced a golden era, winning multiple division titles and capturing the franchise’s first Super Bowl in Indianapolis. Irsay built strong relationships within the organization and was known for treating staff and players like family.
He is survived by his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson, who now carry forward his legacy both within the Colts organization and beyond.
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