Jim Irsay was one of the more visible NFL owners, one who did not shy away from the spotlight placed on him as he also held the role of Chairman and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts.
A part of the organization since the early 80s, while his father, Robert Irsay, owned the team, Jim passed away Wednesday at the age of 65.
Former Colts, Others around the NFL Have Been Paying Their Respects to Irsay
News like this comes out of nowhere for most people, so reactions to it are generally some combination of sadness and disbelief. Past and present members of the Colts organization, as well as others from the NFL community, immediately responded with their memories of and tributes to the late Irsay.
Peyton Manning, who played the majority of his Hall of Fame career in Indianapolis and won a Super Bowl with the Colts, shared a post on Instagram.
Peyton Manning’s IG post on Jim Irsay: pic.twitter.com/a7r6LWLoCO
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
Former Colts wide receivers Reggie Wayne, who played his entire 14-year NFL career with the Colts, and T.Y. Hilton, who spent a decade in Indianapolis, were quick with reactions to the unfortunate news.
This hurts my soul…. https://t.co/wpK1fPD3jW
— Reggie Wayne (@ReggieWayne_17)
Please don’t ask me if I’m ok. Cuz I’m not. Thank You Sooo Much Mr.Irsay. I will forever hold our talks close to my heart. Love You! RIP Mr.Irsay 🥹🥹🥹🥹😢😢 pic.twitter.com/EeOh5lmec5
— TY Hilton (@TYHilton13)
Current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky spent one season in Indianapolis.
Former players were not the only prominent figures to mourn Irsay, as members of the media who covered the Colts and the NFL as a whole had thoughts to share.
RIP to Jim Irsay, who overcame early hardship to live a spectacular life.
Under his guidance, the #Colts won 10 division titles and reached two Super Bowls, winning one. He also holds the title of the NFL’s youngest-ever GM (24).
But Irsay’s most impactful moments came off the… pic.twitter.com/sPVNDFFKoO
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 22, 2025
#Colts owner Jim Irsay was a legend, a truly unique and endearing man. As an owner, he had many significant contributions to his team and the NFL.
For me personally, this was his biggest: The first to publicly call for Dan Snyder’s removal while many others were quiet. https://t.co/sCpxXBu68b
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 22, 2025
Lost a great friend and one of my favorite owners. RIP Jim. 🙏🙏for his family and @Colts nation. pic.twitter.com/vQObLmSL0f
— Bruce Arians (@BruceArians)
As time passes, more will be shared about Irsay, whose life was anything but uneventful. But in an industry where many who hold the position of owner can be a bit reclusive or even stand offish, Irsay was the opposite.
He was known for being engaging with players and fans alike, never shying away from criticism or his responsibilities as a league owner.
From initial reactions, it’s clear the impact of his loss will be far-reaching.