Jim Irsay, the longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts and a well-known rock-and-roll memorabilia collector, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 65 on Wednesday afternoon, the Colts announced. His death marks the end of an era for the franchise and the broader NFL community.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 21, 2025
Irsay dedicated much of his life to the Colts, a team he grew up with and eventually led to multiple championships. His passion for football, along with his generosity and commitment to the community, were widely recognized and admired. Throughout his tenure, the Colts won 10 division titles, two AFC championships, and notably, the 2007 Super Bowl. Under his leadership, the team built the Lucas Oil Stadium, a landmark for Indianapolis.
Starting as a teenager working as a ballboy for the then-Baltimore Colts, Irsay climbed the ranks to become the youngest general manager in NFL history at just 24. He took over ownership in 1997 after a legal battle following his father’s death. Irsay’s impact extended beyond football; he was also a dedicated philanthropist, focusing on mental health awareness through initiatives like Kicking the Stigma, which he founded in 2020.
In addition to his football legacy, Irsay was an avid collector of music and cultural artifacts, amassing one of the world’s greatest guitar collections and other memorabilia related to rock legends such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this story! Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below — your voice matters and helps us create better content for you.
According to NPR, where this information was originally reported, Irsay’s personal life had its share of struggles, including battles with substance abuse and health issues. He openly discussed his challenges with addiction, having been to rehab multiple times, and used his experience to advocate for others facing similar difficulties. Despite his troubles, his dedication to the Colts and the community never waned, and his philanthropic efforts left a lasting impact.
Jim Irsay’s family is set to continue his legacy, with his three daughters — Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson — all involved in the Colts’ operations and expected to take over ownership, becoming the youngest owners in NFL history.
Stay updated with the latest breaking news and exclusive stories by following us. Don’t miss out on important updates — join our community and be the first to know!
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication. However, we make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of the content. Readers are encouraged to verify details independently.
