The NFL world is mourning the loss of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, who tragically passed away at the age of 65 on Wednesday.
The Colts announced on X/Twitter that Jim Irsay “passed away peacefully in his sleep” on Wednesday afternoon. He is survived by his three daughters and 10 grandchildren, and no cause of death was given.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 21, 2025
Irsay became the owner and chairman of the Colts in 1997 after his father, Robert Irsay, passed away. The elder Irsay bought the Colts (then in Baltimore) in 1972 and relocated them to Indianapolis in 1984.
Known for his humor, outgoing personality and willingness to speak to the media regularly (something a lot of owners avoid doing), Jim Irsay was among the most popular NFL owners during his 28 years at the helm.
NFL teams, players and fellow team owners reacted to the stunning news of Mr. Irsay’s untimely passing.
“RIP MR. IRSAY ,” wrote Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., the son of Colts legend and Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison.
RIP MR. IRSAY https://t.co/NPhX5gWw1a
— Marvin Harrison Jr. (@MarvHarrisonJr) May 22, 2025
“Please don’t ask me if I’m ok. Cuz I’m not. Thank You Sooo Much Mr.Irsay. I will forever hold our talks close to my heart. Love You! RIP Mr.Irsay ,” wrote T.Y. Hilton, a former wideout who played for the Colts from 2012 to 2021.
Please don’t ask me if I’m ok. Cuz I’m not. Thank You Sooo Much Mr.Irsay. I will forever hold our talks close to my heart. Love You! RIP Mr.Irsay pic.twitter.com/EeOh5lmec5
— TY Hilton (@TYHilton13) May 22, 2025
Peyton Manning wrote on Instagram that he was “heartbroken” over Jim Irsay’s passing and offered his condolences to the family and Colts community.
Peyton Manning’s heartfelt message on Jim Irsay’s passing. pic.twitter.com/WQoEdrzbnG
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) May 22, 2025
Multiple NFL teams offered their condolences on social media, including the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and San Francisco 49ers:
We join the @NFL community in mourning the passing of @Colts Owner & CEO Jim Irsay.
Mr. Irsay’s vibrant personality, love of the game and dedication to his team & community will be remembered throughout the NFL.#BroncosCountry sends its deepest sympathies to the Irsay family,… https://t.co/LEoMmH8uKw
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 22, 2025
Statement from Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft on the passing of Colts Owner Jim Irsay: pic.twitter.com/cVFuauDVf4
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 22, 2025
We mourn the passing of Jim Irsay.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Irsay family and the Indianapolis Colts. pic.twitter.com/F50K2szWk7
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 22, 2025
We offer our condolences, thoughts and prayers to Mr. Irsay’s family and friends during this difficult period.
Jim Irsay Turned The Colts Into An AFC Juggernaut
When Irsay took over as the Colts’ owner in 1997, they had just two playoff wins between the 1997 and 1996 seasons (both came in 1995). They also only made the playoffs three times between 1978 and 1996.
But Irsay and Manning turned the Colts into an NFL juggernaut soon after the latter was taken first overall in 1998. Indy won two AFC championships and a Super Bowl 41 title, only missing the playoffs twice between the 1999 and 2014 seasons.
The Colts have only made the playoffs once since 2019, but Andrew Luck’s shocking retirement obviously wasn’t in Irsay’s control. The bottom line is that this franchise spent a decade and a half in title contention, thanks to the excellent hands-off ownership and management by Mr. Irsay.
Also Read: Indianapolis Colts Superstar Reveals He’s “Battling” For His Life