Jim Irsay Obituary, Death – Jim Irsay, the longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts and a renowned collector of rock and roll memorabilia, has died at age 65. The Colts announced his passing in a statement, saying he “passed away peacefully in his sleep” on Wednesday. The organization expressed its condolences to his three daughters and his extended family, praising Irsay’s unwavering commitment to the team, his philanthropic efforts, and his deep love for his family.
Although the cause of death was not disclosed, Irsay had faced health challenges and had largely stepped back from the public spotlight in recent years. His final social media post, published the day he died, was a message of support for the Indiana Pacers as they played in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reflected on Irsay’s lifelong association with the league, noting that he was involved in the NFL from a young age. Irsay’s journey began in the early 1970s when his father, Robert Irsay, acquired the then-Baltimore Colts. Jim started as a ball boy and gradually worked his way up through every department. When the team controversially relocated to Indianapolis in 1984 due to a dispute over stadium issues in Baltimore, 24-year-old Jim was named the youngest general manager in NFL history.
Jim Irsay officially became the Colts’ owner in 1997 following his father’s death and a subsequent legal battle with his stepmother. A pivotal moment in the franchise’s history occurred under his leadership when the Colts selected quarterback Peyton Manning as the first pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. Manning, who would go on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. He wrote that Irsay’s passion for the team and city was unmatched and credited him for launching his career, noting that Irsay’s influence on players was deeply impactful.
During Irsay’s nearly 30 years at the helm, the Colts enjoyed significant success. The team secured 10 division championships, two AFC titles, and their crowning achievement—a Super Bowl win in 2007. Irsay also played a key role in the construction of Lucas Oil Stadium, which opened in 2008 and has hosted major NFL events.
Beyond football, Irsay was widely recognized for his philanthropy. He spearheaded numerous charitable initiatives, particularly in the areas of mental health and addiction recovery. His “Kicking the Stigma” campaign, launched in 2020, sought to raise awareness about mental illness and reduce societal stigmas around it. Irsay was open about his personal battles with addiction and said he had undergone treatment at least 15 times. In a 2022 interview, he emphasized that his charitable work was driven by genuine compassion and a desire to alleviate suffering for others.
The news of his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the NFL and beyond. Former and current Colts players, fellow team owners, and league officials remembered Irsay as a generous and deeply passionate leader. Indiana Governor Mike Braun also offered condolences, recognizing the Irsay family for bringing football to Indiana and praising Jim’s philanthropic legacy.
Irsay was also celebrated for his extraordinary collection of pop culture and music memorabilia. Over the years, he amassed what many consider to be one of the most impressive private guitar collections in the world. His passion for rock music, American history, and counterculture icons such as John Lennon, Bob Dylan, and Pete Townshend shaped his personal and public identity.
In addition to iconic guitars owned by legends like Prince, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix, Irsay’s collection included handwritten lyrics, signed photos, and culturally significant artifacts. In 2022, he famously purchased Kurt Cobain’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” guitar for $4.5 million, with some of the proceeds benefiting mental health causes. His broader collection also included first editions of literary classics like Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Muhammad Ali’s boxing shoes from the Thrilla in Manila, one of Jackie Robinson’s bats, and letters signed by Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln.
Irsay regularly exhibited his collection to the public, including at Lucas Oil Stadium and renowned institutions such as the U.S. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the British Library. These exhibitions underscored his belief that culture, music, and history should be accessible and inspiring to all.
Jim Irsay’s life blended sports, philanthropy, and culture in remarkable ways. He leaves behind a legacy not only as a successful NFL team owner but as a passionate advocate for mental health, a supporter of community development, and a steward of cultural preservation. His passing marks the end of an era for the Colts and the broader football world, but his influence will continue to resonate through the lives he touched on and off the field.