Jim Irsay, the owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, passed away at the age of 65. The team announced his death, noting, 'We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon.' The statement highlighted Irsay's unwavering dedication to the Colts, his contributions to the community, and his profound love for his family.

Irsay became the sole owner of the Colts in 1997 after inheriting the team from his father. He had previously made history as the youngest general manager in the franchise's history in 1984, just after the team's relocation from Baltimore to Indianapolis. Under his leadership, the Colts experienced significant success, including 14 playoff appearances from 1999 through 2014, driven by prominent players like Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck. The pinnacle of this success was winning Super Bowl XLI in the 2006 season, which remains Indianapolis's only Lombardi Trophy to date, with the franchise having previously won while still based in Baltimore in 1970.

Beyond his impact on the field, Irsay was renowned for his philanthropic efforts. The Colts' announcement emphasized his commitment to improving lives across Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, and beyond, stating, 'Jim's generosity can be felt all over... He made philanthropy a daily endeavor.' Off the field, Irsay was also a passionate music lover and performed as part of the Jim Irsay Band, showcasing a collection of music artifacts that features items owned by legendary artists. He also founded the initiative 'Kicking the Stigma' in 2020, focusing on raising awareness around mental health issues. Irsay is survived by his three daughters, ten grandchildren, and his ex-wife.