Jim Irsay, the longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, died peacefully in his sleep on May 21, 2025. He was 65.
The Colts organization confirmed his passing, noting that while no official cause of death was given, Irsay had faced a number of health issues in recent years, including battles with addiction and mental health—challenges he openly acknowledged and worked to destigmatize.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 21, 2025
Born into football royalty, Irsay inherited the Colts from his father, Robert Irsay, and assumed full control of the franchise in 1997. At just 37 years old, he became the youngest owner in the NFL at the time. His tenure would go on to become one of the most transformative in league history.
Under Irsay’s stewardship, the Colts emerged as a powerhouse franchise. His boldest and most pivotal move came in 1998 when the team drafted quarterback Peyton Manning. With Manning at the helm, the Colts captured eight division titles and won Super Bowl XLI in 2007. After Manning’s departure, Irsay again took a leap of faith by drafting Andrew Luck, ensuring a seamless continuation of competitiveness in Indianapolis.
Beyond his football acumen, Irsay was a singular personality in the sports world—a passionate collector, philanthropist, and mental health advocate. He built an extraordinary private collection of music, sports, and pop culture memorabilia, featuring guitars once played by Bob Dylan and instruments used by The Beatles, alongside items tied to Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali. His collection often went on tour, shared freely with the public.
But perhaps his most lasting legacy off the field was his commitment to mental health. Having struggled with substance abuse himself, Irsay founded the Kicking the Stigma initiative in 2020, a multimillion-dollar campaign aimed at increasing awareness and access to mental health care. His openness helped push the conversation forward in the NFL and beyond, earning him admiration far outside football circles.
Jim Irsay is survived by his three daughters—Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson—who all serve in leadership roles with the Colts and are expected to carry on his legacy. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren and his former wife, Meg Coyle.
In life, Irsay was never just an owner. He was a fan, a showman, a crusader, and above all, a deeply human figure who turned personal struggles into public good. He leaves behind a team forever changed—and a sport and society touched by his relentless passion and authenticity.
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