In October 2021, Jim Irsay quietly flew 20 veteran players from the Colts’ 2006 Super Bowl team into Indianapolis—not for a reunion, not for fanfare, but to privately handwrite thank-you letters and deliver custom championship rings to former staffers who never received theirs. It wasn’t posted on social media. There was no press release. For Irsay, it was personal. “They helped build this,” he reportedly told a small group in the stadium tunnel, eyes welling up. That was Irsay in a snapshot—loud in passion, soft in presence, and deeply loyal to those who wore his horseshoe.
As fans across the league wrapped up their Wednesday evenings on May 21, heartbreaking news struck the NFL community: Indianapolis Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay died peacefully in his sleep. He was 65. Irsay wasn’t just a sports owner—he was a cultural figure.
Known for his extravagant memorabilia collection (from David Gilmour’s iconic Black Stratocaster to Muhammad Ali’s fight robes), he infused football ownership with a rock-and-roll soul. He gave away free game tickets to fans, sent entire families to the Super Bowl, and poured millions into mental health charities through his “Kicking the Stigma” initiative. Yet, behind the generosity and grandeur was a man shaped by addiction, loss, and a lifelong fight to turn pain into purpose.
Image Credits: X/@jimirsay
A former college linebacker at SMU, Irsay’s playing career was cut short by injury. The physical toll and ensuing surgeries opened the door to painkillers, and by the early 2000s, Irsay was deep in addiction. He entered rehab in 2002 and later admitted to Real Sports that he’d checked into treatment centers at least 15 times.
In 2014, he was suspended by the NFL and fined $500,000 after being found with prescription drugs and $29,000 in cash. But he didn’t hide from it. Instead, he leaned in. In 2020, he founded Kicking the Stigma to destigmatize mental health struggles and fund care access, contributing over $25 million to date. His team’s statement echoed that legacy: “Jim’s generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, and the country. He never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives.”
Even in retirement, Jim Irsay made headlines for choosing compassion. When Andrew Luck retired suddenly at age 29, Irsay didn’t force him to repay his signing bonuses—a $24.8 million gesture that spoke volumes about how he valued people over contracts. It’s a trait that only enhanced his estimated $4.8 billion net worth, surrounding the Colts organization with family values.
NFL players pay tribute to Jim Irsay
No tribute was more personal than Peyton Manning’s. The Colts’ all-time great quarterback posted a photo with Irsay and shared: “I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay’s passing. He will be missed. Jim, rest in peace my friend. #18”. Tom Brady joined in with a simple, powerful message: “ RIP .” Other former Colts followed suit.
WR Reggie Wayne: “This hurts my soul…”
WR Marvin Harrison Sr.: “RIP MR. IRSAY ”
WR T.Y. Hilton: “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 ”
4x Pro Bowler JJ Watt: “Terribly sorry to hear this news. Thoughts are with the Irsay family and the entire Indianapolis community.”
Even current stars and team execs across the league acknowledged what made Irsay different—he picked up the phone, knew players’ families, and made loyalty a cornerstone of the Colts culture.
Despite only one Super Bowl win in the past 50 years, Irsay’s legacy with the Colts isn’t measured in trophies—it’s measured in the lives he touched. That includes Colts staffers, musicians, mental health advocates, and fans who stood in the nosebleeds and somehow ended up on the field thanks to his random giveaways. He once told USA Today, “If I had to pick between another Super Bowl or helping someone avoid sui—- —I pick the second one.”
As the NFL moves into a new era, Jim Irsay’s absence will be felt far beyond Indianapolis. He was complicated, candid, and flawed—but more than anything, he was human. And in a league often defined by metrics and margins, that made him unforgettable. The loss is personal. And it will amplify when the season begins.
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