Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay passed away on Wednesday at the age of 65. The Colts organization expressed their profound sadness in a statement, noting, "We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon. 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."

Jim Irsay became the sole owner of the Colts after inheriting the franchise from his father in 1997. His journey in the organization began long before that, as he was named the youngest general manager in franchise history in 1984, when the team moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis. The team’s announcement reflected on Irsay's broader impact, stating, "Jim's generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, and the country. He made philanthropy a daily endeavor and never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives." Irsay's commitment to making the world a better place was a driving philosophy throughout his life.

Under Irsay's stewardship, the Colts enjoyed remarkable success, characterized by 14 playoff appearances over a 16-year span from 1999 to 2014. During this period, the team attained legendary status within the NFL, largely due to the talents of quarterbacks such as Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck. Notably, the Colts secured their first Super Bowl title in Indianapolis during the 2006 season, a victory that remains the franchise's hallmark achievement. Irsay was instrumental in assembling a roster that included iconic players like Manning, Marvin Harrison Sr., Reggie Wayne, Edgerrin James, and Dwight Freeney, establishing the Colts as a perennial playoff contender.

The decision to draft Peyton Manning with the No. 1 overall pick in 1998 marked a significant turning point for the franchise, leading to an era of dominance in the NFL. Manning would go on to become one of the league's all-time great quarterbacks, earning two Super Bowl championships, five MVP awards, and 14 Pro Bowl selections. Beyond his contributions to football, Irsay was also known for his passion for music, often performing with the Jim Irsay Band at various venues across the nation. His collection of music artifacts, featuring items linked to legendary artists including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix, further showcased his deep appreciation for the arts.

In addition to his business and musical pursuits, Jim Irsay was recognized for his philanthropic efforts. In 2020, he launched the Kicking the Stigma initiative, which aims to raise awareness around mental health issues and combat the stigma associated with mental illness. The program encourages athletes to share their experiences and fosters community support for mental health, helping many individuals find the resources they need. Jim Irsay is survived by his three daughters, ten grandchildren, and his ex-wife, leaving behind a legacy that transcends both football and philanthropy.