Colts Owner Jim Irsay Mourned by Manning, McAfee, and NFL Stars After Death at 65

The sports world is reeling from the loss of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, who passed away at 65, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant as a game-winning touchdown. Irsay, who took the reins of the Colts at just 37, wasn’t just an owner—he was a fan’s fan, a larger-than-life figure whose passion for football and Indianapolis burned brighter than a Hoosier sunset.

Peyton Manning, the quarterback who led the Colts to Super Bowl glory in 2006, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: "I am heartbroken... Jim’s love for the Colts and Indy was unmatched. His impact on the players will not be forgotten." Manning’s words echo the sentiments of a franchise forever shaped by Irsay’s vision. From drafting Manning to building a team that won 258 games under his watch—fourth-most in the NFL during his tenure—Irsay turned the Colts into a powerhouse.

Former Colts punter and ESPN host Pat McAfee painted a vivid picture of Irsay’s personal touch, recalling a 2011 training camp chat where Irsay, fresh off the NFL lockout, zipped over on a golf cart to geek out about Twitter. McAfee credited Irsay’s mentorship for his post-NFL success, noting, "He’d join our show anytime I asked, no matter where he was in the world." That’s the kind of owner Irsay was—always there, always invested, even when hitting his vape behind a desk.

Adam Vinatieri, the legendary kicker whose 2006 field goal against the Patriots sent the Colts to the Super Bowl, called Irsay "a man of the people" whose generosity knew no bounds. T.Y. Hilton, a four-time Pro Bowler, shared raw grief on X: "I’m not ok... Thank you so much Mr. Irsay. Love you!" The outpouring extended to stars like Robert Griffin III and Marvin Harrison Jr., son of Colts legend Marvin Harrison.

Irsay’s journey wasn’t without struggles. He openly battled addiction, visiting rehab "at least 15 times," and faced health challenges, including 26 surgeries in seven years. Yet, even while hospitalized in 2024 for a severe respiratory illness, he remained optimistic, posting about being "on the mend." His resilience mirrored the grit of the teams he built, which claimed 10 division titles and 18 playoff appearances.

Irsay’s story began when his father purchased the then-Baltimore Colts in 1972, moving them to Indianapolis in 1984. Taking over after his father’s death, Jim became the NFL’s youngest owner and never looked back. He leaves behind three daughters, 10 grandchildren, and a city forever changed by his love for the game.