The Indianapolis Colts announced Wednesday that longtime owner Jim Irsay has died. According to the team, Irsay passed away peacefully in his sleep earlier that afternoon.
A pillar of the NFL community for more than five decades, Irsay’s life in football began at an early age. His father, Robert Irsay, purchased the Baltimore Colts when Jim was just 12. From ball boy to ticket office assistant, his early exposure to the inner workings of the organization shaped a lifelong dedication to the game.
After graduating from Southern Methodist University, Irsay officially joined the franchise’s front office. In 1984, following the team’s relocation to Indianapolis, he was named general manager at just 24—making him the youngest in league history at the time.
When his father passed away in 1997, Irsay again made history, becoming the youngest team owner in the NFL at age 37.
Under his leadership, the Colts enjoyed sustained success, securing multiple division titles and capturing the city’s first Super Bowl championship. The organization credited Irsay for his unwavering commitment to the game and his role as a “steward of the league,” noting his deep respect for the NFL’s history, values, and traditions.
Jim Irsay was 65.
