Jim Irsay, owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, has passed away at the age of 65. The team announced that Irsay died peacefully in his sleep, a loss that has left many in the organization and the community mourning. The Colts highlighted Irsay's unwavering commitment to the team as well as his generosity towards the Indianapolis community and beyond, stating, 'Jim’s dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed.'

Irsay became the sole owner of the Colts after inheriting the team from his father in 1997, having previously made history by being named the youngest general manager in the franchise's history in 1984, at a time when the team relocated from Baltimore to Indianapolis. Under his ownership, the Colts reached the playoffs 14 times in a remarkable 16-year span from 1999 to 2014, solidifying their status among the elite in the NFL. The organization celebrated its only Super Bowl victory in Indianapolis—Super Bowl XLI in the 2006 season—under the leadership of legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, who is one of several Hall of Fame talents that Irsay oversaw during his tenure.

Beyond the football field, Irsay was known for his passion for music and showcased this by performing with the Jim Irsay Band at various locations throughout the country. He also built an impressive collection of music artifacts featuring iconic items from artists such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix. Furthermore, Irsay was dedicated to philanthropy, launching the 'Kicking the Stigma' initiative in 2020 aimed at raising awareness around mental health issues and providing support for those affected by mental illness. He is survived by three daughters, ten grandchildren, and his ex-wife.