Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay dies at 65

INDIANAPOLIS ( WXIN ) — Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died at the age of 65, the team announced.

The long-time leader of the Colts had been battling several health issues and was in the process of physical rehabilitation in Beverly Hills, California, according to Nexstar’s WXIN .

“We are devastated to announce our beloved owner and CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,” Colts COO Pete Ward wrote in a prepared statement. “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. Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them.”

In his statement, Ward went on to write that some of Irsay’s fondest memories came from his youth, when he worked Colts training camps in Baltimore. Ward also noted how proud Irsay was of the relationships he built with Colts players, coaches and staff members.

Irsay took sole ownership of the team in 1997. With Irsay at the helm, the Colts claimed several division titles and won a Super Bowl in 2007.

“Jim’s generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state of Indiana and the country,” Ward wrote. “He made philanthropy a daily endeavor. He never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives. Music was one of Jim’s passions and the ability to share his band and collection with millions of people across the world brought him tremendous joy. Simply put, he wanted to make the world a better place and that philosophy never wavered. Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit.”

The Colts posted Ward’s full statement and a graphic to honor Irsay on X.

This is a developing story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.