Jim Irsay, the owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, passed away at the age of 65 on Wednesday. The team announced Irsay's death, expressing their grief and honoring his profound dedication to the franchise. The statement highlighted his commitment to the community, generosity, and deep love for his family, which defined his legacy both on and off the field.

Irsay became the sole owner of the Colts in 1997, inheriting the team from his father. He had made history earlier in his career as the youngest general manager in franchise history in 1984 when the team relocated from Baltimore to Indianapolis. Under Irsay's leadership, the Colts became a competitive force in the NFL, reaching the playoffs 14 times between 1999 and 2014. This successful era featured legendary players such as Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck, and culminated in a Super Bowl victory during the 2006 season, which remains the only Lombardi Trophy awarded to Indianapolis.

Beyond his contributions to football, Irsay was known for his passion for music and philanthropy. He performed with the Jim Irsay Band and curated a collection of notable music artifacts, including items from icons like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. Irsay established the Kicking the Stigma initiative in 2020 to raise awareness around mental health issues, encouraging athletes and the public to speak openly about the challenges they face. He is survived by his three daughters, ten grandchildren, and his ex-wife.