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Jim Irsay, owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, passes away at 65

Tributes pour in from former and current players, the Indianapolis community

Darron Cummings/AP

FILE - Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks during a news conference at the NFL football team's practice facility Nov. 7, 2022, in Indianapolis. Irsay made his first training camp trip Sunday, July 28, 2024, marking his first sideline appearance since falling at his home last fall. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

By: WRTV Staff

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INDIANAPOLIS — Jim Irsay, the owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday afternoon, the team posted on X.

The post says Irsay's fondest memories came from his youth, working training camps in Baltimore. He established relationships with players, coaches and staff who he considered "his extended family."

His time in the NFL spanned over 50 years. He was named the youngest general manager in team history in 1984 when the Colts arrived in Indianapolis. He took sole ownership in 1997, leading the team to several series and division titles and its first Super Bowl Championship.

According to the post, Irsay made philanthropy a daily endeavor, and his generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state and the country. He helped countless organizations and touched several lives.

Statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the Passing of Jim Irsay:

"We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay’s passing today. Jim was a friend, and a man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts, and the Indianapolis community. He spent his life and career in the National Football League. Starting as a teenager as a Colts’ ballboy, he learned every position in the organization before assuming leadership of the Colts approximately 30 years ago. Jim’s Colts won the Super Bowl, hosted another and built Lucas Oil Stadium.

Within the League, Jim was an active Chairman of the Legislative Committee and member of the Finance Committee. He led with integrity, passion and care for the Colts’ players, coaches and staff, and his courageous work in support of mental health will be a lasting legacy. Outside of football, he was a talented musician and built an extraordinary collection of historical and musical artifacts that he shared with people across the country.

On behalf of the entire NFL, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jim’s daughters and their families, and to his many friends throughout the NFL."

Tributes from former and current players, and the Indianapolis community

Peyton Manning via Instagram