Jim Irsay tragically passed away at the age of 65 years old last week. He spent nearly three decades as the principal owner, chairman, and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts after taking over for his father in 1997. While no cause of death was given, the Colts announced that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
The Indy 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 25. Ahead of the IndyCar Series’ biggest race of the year, the late Colts owner was honored with a touching moment of silence.
Late Colts Owner Jim Irsay Honored Ahead of Indy 500
Irsay was one of the most popular owners in the NFL as he was widely considered to be a players’ owner, maintaining a relationship with many of the athletes who were part of the organization. Following his sudden death, Indianapolis Motor Speedway honored Irsay ahead of the Indy 500.
Andrew Chernoff of WISH-TV shared a photo of the tribute to the late Colts owner, tweeting: “[Indianapolis Motor Speedway] honoring Jim Irsay. 🙏”
.@IMS honoring Jim Irsay. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/VAXcLjSz5J
— Andrew Chernoff – WISH-TV (@ADChernoff)
Eric Graves of FOX59 and CBS4 Indy provided some context regarding the moment of silence:
“Powerful moment of silence for Colts Owner Jim Irsay, who died this week at 65. Rare to hear 350,000 as quiet as they just were for Jim. Impossible to truly measure the impact he had on Indianapolis.”
Powerful moment of silence for Colts Owner Jim Irsay, who died this week at 65. Rare to hear 350,000 as quiet as they just were for Jim. Impossible to truly measure the impact he had on Indianapolis. #Indy500 @FOX59 pic.twitter.com/RmU7RCIg0S
— Eric Graves (@ReporterEric)
When Irsay was 13 years old, his father, Robert Irsay, acquired the then-Baltimore Colts in 1972. Twelve years later, the elder Irsay found himself in a dispute with the city of Baltimore after the Maryland state legislature passed a law that would have allowed the city to seize the Colts under eminent domain.
After city officials threatened to take the team, he packed the team’s property and moved the franchise to Indianapolis overnight. The family became a staple in the community after the move. Meanwhile, the younger Irsay became the franchise’s general manager in 1984 — the same year that the Colts moved to Indianapolis.
He served in that role through the 1996 season. After his father died in 1997, Irsay was involved in a legal battle with his stepmother over who would assume ownership of the Colts. He served as the principal owner, chairman, and CEO of the franchise until his death.
During Irsay’s tenure leading the Colts, they won Super Bowl 59 in 2006. It marked the first — and to this date, only — title that the city of Indianapolis has won in any of its four major sports.