INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay died “peacefully in his sleep,” according to the team Wednesday.
Below are reactions to Irsay’s death.
“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. Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them.
Some of Jim’s fondest memories came from his youth working training camps in Baltimore and growing relationships with players, coaches, and staff whom he considered his extended family. He worked in every department before he was named the youngest general manager in team history in 1984 when the Colts arrived in Indianapolis. After he took sole ownership in 1997, he led the Colts to a long series of division titles and brought the city its first Super Bowl Championship. Jim’s love and appreciation for the NFL in addition to its history, tradition, and principles influenced him to become a steward of the game throughout his 50-plus years in the League.
Jim’s generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state of Indiana and the country. 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.”
Pete Ward, chief operating officer for the Indianapolis Colts.
“This hurts my soul….”
Reggie Wayne, former wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.
“Jim Irsay has passed away. Unbelievably sad.“
“Terribly sorry to hear this news. Thoughts are with the Irsay family and the entirely Indianapolis community.
“
JJ Watt, former NFL defensive end and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
““Prayers and love to the Irsay family. Thanks for everything. The trust and Love to me and my family.
Donte Moncrief, former wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.
“Jim Irsay was a bold and eccentric owner who loved his #Colts passionately and was always vocal about league business. Irsay worked with numerous Pro Football Hall of Fame coaches, players and executives, including Eric Dickerson (Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 1999), Marshall Faulk (2011), Bill Polian (2015), Tony Dungy (2016), Marvin Harrison (2016), Edgerrin James (2020) and Peyton Manning (2021). His Colts appeared in two Super Bowls and won Super Bowl XLI. Irsay most recently made a cameo in Netflix’s ‘American Primeval’ this spring. I posted about it the night the series debuted. I thought it was pretty cool Irsay liked the tweet. RIP.“
“If Lucas Oil Stadium is the house that Peyton built, Jim Irsay was the architect. Thank you, Jim, for all you’ve done for our team, our city and our state.“
“A generous man that LOVED his Family, Community and Football team. Jim Irsay will truly be missed.
Darius Butler, former defensive back for the Indianapolis Colts.
““Rest in Peace, Jim Irsay”
“My thoughts and condolences are with the entire Irsay family and Colts organization as they mourn the loss of Jim Irsay. Jim’s love for Indianapolis was undeniable. Under his leadership, the Colts franchise entered a new era and brought with it Lucas Oil Stadium, which propelled Indianapolis into a new era of sports hosting. He also gave back to this community in countless ways from his support of the YMCA and commitment to ending the stigma of mental health. Jim represented the power sports can have on a city.”
“Prayers up for Jim Irsay’s family and friends Rest in Peace
”“Please don’t ask me if I’m ok. Cuz I’m not. Thank You Sooo Much Mr.Irsay. I will forever hold our talks close to my heart. Love You! RIP Mr.Irsay
“RIP MR. IRSAY
“Very sad to hear the news of Jim Irsay’s passing. The Irsay family brought football to the state of Indiana and his philanthropic efforts will have a lasting impact for years to come. Hoosiers’ thoughts and prayers are with the Irsay family.”
“I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay’s passing. He was an incredibly generous and passionate owner and I will always be indebted to him for giving me my start in the NFL. His love for the Colts and the city of Indy was unmatched. His impact on the players who played for him will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone in the Colts community. He will be missed. Jim, rest in peace my friend, #18“
Peyton Manning, former quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts.
“Jim Irsay was always rooting for Indianapolis. From the field, to the court, to countless philanthropic and community building efforts, Jim’s impact can be seen everywhere. Indianapolis lost an icon today. My heartfelt thoughts are with Jim’s family and all who loved him.”
“Jim Irsay’s passion for football was surpassed only by his kindness and generosity. He will be deeply missed. My condolences to the entire Irsay family and Colts organization.”
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Irsay, a true Hoosier icon. His leadership of the @Colts brought pride to Indiana, uniting fans and communities everywhere. Whether it was bringing us a Super Bowl, delivering a winning record in numerous seasons, or showcasing his generosity through the millions of dollars he donated to help others, his memory will live on forever. Our thoughts are with his family, the Colts organization, and all Hoosiers mourning this loss.”
“We are saddened to hear about the passing of Indianapolis @Colts owner & CEO Jim Irsay. Jim took ownership of the Colts in 1997 following the passing of his father. Since taking this role, he led the team through several divisional titles and the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship. Our thoughts are with his family and the entire Colts organization during this difficult time.
”“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Colts owner Jim Irsay. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire Colts organization.
“In building a championship franchise and generously supporting numerous worthwhile initiatives, Jim Irsay had an incredible impact on our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Irsay Family, the Colts organization, and all who knew Jim.”
“It is with sadness to hear of the sudden passing of Jim Irsay. He was a one-of-a-kind gentleman that was so proud to be the steward for his beloved Indianapolis Colts football team and the community it represents. Our organizations will forever be linked through Super Bowl XLIV. He, his family, and the Colts organization represented the epitome of class and graciousness in the days and years that have followed. My thoughts and prayers are extended to the Irsay family during this most difficult time.”
Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Irsay family, their friends and the @Colts organization and their fans.”
“Jim Irsay was an incredibly kind, brilliant and dedicated leader whose generosity and appreciation for Central Indiana and our entire state made a massive and irreplaceable impact on so many lives. He will be sorely missed and very fondly remembered. Everyone across Penske Entertainment, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR expresses our deepest condolences to his family and friends and the entire Colts organization.”
This is a developing story.
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