The entire NFL world is reeling after the sudden and tragic news that Colts owner Jim Irsay had passed away.
Irsay died Wednesday at age 65.
Pete Ward, Irsay’s longtime right-hand man and the team’s chief operating officer, announced the news in a statement. He stated that the legendary owner died peacefully in his sleep.
“Jim’s dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts, in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed,” Colts COO Pete Ward said in a statement.
Irsay is survived by his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson, his ex-wife, his daughters’ mother, Meg Coyle, and 10 grandchildren.
What makes his death so tragic and sudden is that Irsay was on social media eight hours ago, posting like normal.
Before his death, he tweeted his support for the Indiana Pacers, saying, “Go PACERS. Good luck to Herb, the entire @Pacers organization, and our city!”
Heartbreaking: Jim Irsay tweeted a message today rooting on the Indiana Pacers before their playoff game—it was his last tweet before he passed away today.
No one loved local sports more than Jim Irsay. pic.twitter.com/4M1ufaQBmg
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 21, 2025
Jim Irsay inherited the Colts from his father, Robert, who had acquired the franchise in 1972. Robert moved the team from Baltimore to Indianapolis, and put son Jim in charge as general manager in 1984. He became the team’s owner in 1997 following the death of his father.
How Fans Reacted To Jim Irsay’s Final Tweet
“Man had his demons, but he did a lot for the city. Gonna be weird being a Colts fan without him around ,” one fan said.
Man had his demons but he did a lot for the city. Gonna be weird being a colts fan without him around
— Caleb Underhill (@Calebunderhill8) May 21, 2025
“Pacers can not lose tonight,” one fan said of the Pacers as they take on the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Pacers can not lose tonight.
— Harry Berries (@MrHarryBerries) May 21, 2025
“XOXO,” one fan said of Jim Irsay.
XOXO
— Suzanne Simnick (@SuzanneSimnick) May 22, 2025
“Damn!” a final fan wrote.
Damn!
— TLar (@Kroter24) May 21, 2025
Also Read: Heartbreaking Cause Of Death Revealed For Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay