On Wednesday, the sports world was rocked to its core upon learning of the death of legendary Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay. At the age of 65, the heart and soul of the Colts franchise passed away peacefully in his sleep. Irsay’s father, Robert, purchased the team back in 1972 while they still played their football in Baltimore. Soon, under Robert’s guidance, the Colts made the switch to Indianapolis in 1984, which has been their home ever since. During that period, Jim worked as the Colts’ general manager and later in 1997 became the youngest NFL owner at age 37. Throughout those years, Jim has been credited with changing a lot of lives, one of those being Pat McAfee’s, who gracefully owes it all to the late Colts owner.
Irsay drafted Pat McAfee with their 222nd overall pick back in the 2009 NFL draft. This saw him spend his entire 8-year NFL career with the Colts. So, given it was Irsay who sowed the seeds of McAfee’s growth, not just as a player but also as a person. Of course, he was deep in sorrow upon learning the devastating news surrounding Irsay. On his latest Pat McAfee Show episode, the former Colts punter took some time to share some personal thoughts on Irsay—whom he didn’t consider his boss but also a great friend.
“I shed some tears last night when a friend of mine was announced that he passed away. What the Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has done for me, for this program, for the show, for the city, is going to be tough to break down and chit-chat about,” McAfee said with a heavy voice. He even went on to add how Jim Irsay should be the man everyone must look up to when they find themselves in similar roles. McAfee basically called Irsay the greatest philanthropist of his state.
“He woke up every single day hoping to make the world a better place, making people happier. God bless this man, Jim Irsay, in the way he wanted to treat other people, especially people that he knew, the greatest philanthropist in the history of this state,” McAfee claimed. Most importantly, McAfee believes it was Irsay’s arm around his shoulder that allowed him to be a superstar today. He recalled the moment when Irsay and he talked about his post-NFL career.
“When I decided to retire..he and I had a 2.5 hour conversation in his office..He tried to stop me for a few minutes..even offered to renegotiate my contract. And then once he realized my decision was made. The convo turned into him trying to give me as much game as possible about running a business and maintaining authenticity,” McAfee revealed. He also remembers the exact words Irsay said to him, if at all—McAfee didn’t succeed anywhere.
“If for some reason this doesn’t work or you don’t want to do it anymore. You’ll always have a job here at the Colts. You are family.” Those words of reassurance made McAfee feel protected about whatever he wanted to do in his career. Like you can take a look at where he stands now. He carries a larger-than-life persona and a sports media empire he created from scratch. But it’s not just McAfee who saw his life changed through Irsay. Even the likes of Peyton Manning also chimed in to send their warmest gratitude to Irsay in a flood of tributes.
Peyton Manning and the whole Colts community mourn the loss of Jim Irsay
Peyton Manning was probably Irsay’s most important draft pick in his 28-year reign as the Colts’ owner. Once the former first overall in 1998, Manning went on to spend 14 seasons playing for Indy blues. And throughout that period, the Colts were regular contenders for the Super Bowl, winning it all in 2006. So, upon hearing Irsay’s death, Manning was without any doubt devastated, seeing the man who made him the star today leave forever.
“I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay’s passing. He was an incredibly generous and passionate owner. And I will always be indepted to him for giving me my start in the NFL. His love for the Colts and the city of Indy was unmatched. His impact om the players who played for him will not be forgotten..He will be missed. Jim, rest in peace my friend.” Manning’s tribute on Instagram was followed by plenty of others. The Lucas Oil Stadium’s Colts home gave a fitting tribute to Irsay’s impact as an owner.
It’s official X handle wrote, “If Lucas Oil Stadium is the house that Peyton build. Jim Irsay was the architect. Thank You, Jim, for all you’ve done for our team, our city and our state.” Even US national flags flew at half-staff to mourn the loss of Irsay. At the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, US flags were hoisted at half-staff. So, you can see how much of a legacy Irsay has left behind upon his sudden departure. But his legacy will live on through his three daughters and 10 grandchildren. Irsay’s 3 daughters are also expected to take on the ownership as their father leaves a gaping hole in Indy’s heart.
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