The NFL lost a giant this week — and while Peyton Manning poured his heart out in a public goodbye to Jim Irsay, Tom Brady kept it short. Just two emojis, really. But the message hit just as hard.
Irsay, the longtime Indianapolis Colts owner, died peacefully in his sleep at age 65. The official cause hasn’t been released, but he was battling health issues for months. His death rocked the football world, and nobody felt it more than Manning.
Jim Irsay Gave Peyton Manning His Start — And Tom Brady His Greatest Rival
“I am heartbroken,” Manning wrote on Instagram. “He was an incredibly generous and passionate owner, and I will always be indebted to him for giving me my start in the NFL.”
Brady didn’t say much, but he didn’t have to. He dropped a quiet “❤️🙏🏻 RIP❤️🙏🏻” in the comments. That was enough.
These two legends spent years going to war, and Irsay had a front-row seat to all of it — including that unforgettable 2006 AFC Championship game, where Manning finally got over the Patriots hump. The Colts won 38-34 and later beat the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl 41, Irsay’s only ring.
From Youngest NFL GM to Franchise Pillar: Irsay’s Unmatched Journey
When the Colts arrived in Indianapolis from Baltimore, Irsay, 24, was named general manager, the youngest in NFL history — an accomplishment that still hasn’t been outdone. In 1997, Irsay, 37, took over as the Colts’ owner. He turned a franchise in transition into a consistent contender — 16 playoff appearances, two AFC titles, and one Super Bowl win.
But numbers only tell part of the story. Around the league, Irsay was known as one of the real ones. A guy who didn’t mince words. Someone who went to bat for his players, who gave back to the city of Indianapolis long before it became trendy.
“The Colts organization is devastated,” the team said in its official statement. “Jim’s dedication and passion, his generosity, his commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed.”
He leaves behind three daughters — Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson — all of whom are expected to continue guiding the franchise.
The Colts begin a transition — on the field and off it. But this wasn’t just a front-office shakeup; this was personal. Fans could feel it in Manning’s post. They could even see it in Brady’s reply.
Irsay wasn’t just the guy who signed checks; he helped shape one of the greatest quarterback rivalries the league has ever seen. And maybe that’s why Brady didn’t need a long caption. Just a couple of emojis. Because sometimes, even for one of the greatest players to have played the sport, the quietest moments say the most.