Jim Irsay, the longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, has passed away at the age of 65. The NFL team confirmed his death in a statement on Wednesday, saying he died peacefully in his sleep. The organization expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to his daughters and family. No official cause of death has been given, but Irsay had been struggling with serious health problems for years.
In late 2023, he was hospitalized due to a respiratory illness. Authorities had found him unresponsive at his home in Carmel, Indiana. He showed signs of labored breathing and had a weak pulse. Narcan, used for opioid overdoses, was administered. He responded only slightly and was taken to the hospital. Though the incident was labeled a possible overdose, Irsay later said it was related to complications from a leg injury that had caused internal bleeding and needed surgery. The team also described the event as a respiratory issue.
Jim Isray Fought A Long Battle With Addiction
Health scares were not new to Irsay. He had long dealt with addiction and was open about his struggles. He attended rehab many times over the years. In 2014, he was arrested for driving under the influence. At the time, he had several prescription drugs in his system, including oxycodone and hydrocodone. The NFL suspended him for six games and fined him $500,000.
R.I.P and without Irsay pushing for the NFL to finally do something about Dan Snyder we might not have what we have today without Jim. https://t.co/VkhHnbuwwl
— Zac (@DCzWall) May 22, 2025
Even in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Irsay had sought treatment and was linked to doctors accused of writing improper prescriptions. He once revealed that he had nearly died from an overdose. Addiction shaped a large part of his life, but he never hid from it.
Despite these challenges, Irsay remained active with the Colts. His work with the team began when he was a teenager. His father, Robert Irsay, bought the Colts in 1972. Jim started in team operations and rose through the ranks quickly. At 24, he became the youngest general manager in NFL history.
In 1997, following his father’s death and a family legal battle, Irsay took full control of the team. Under his leadership, the Colts won many division titles and reached the pinnacle with a Super Bowl victory in the 2006 season.
New Leadership for the Colts
Jim Irsay’s eldest daughter, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, will now lead the franchise. She has worked with the Colts since 2008 and took on major responsibilities during her father’s health absences. Her sisters, Kalen Jackson and Casey Foyt, will assist her. Kalen leads the team’s mental health efforts, while Casey brings global experience through her background in sports marketing and work with the NFL in London.
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