Jim Ilsai, the owner of the legendary Colts, dies
Jim Ilsai, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, passed away at the age of 65.
Jim Ilsai passed away in sleep on the afternoon of May 21st. The official cause of death has not been revealed, but it seems strange that the important health challenges faced with the owner of the Indianapolis Colts over the years and the personal demons who have had a serious impact on his course of very public life.
With all the respect, I think he was in a good state of mind.
At least when it becomes goodwill.
While news of Irsay’s death spread in 1965, the tribute resonated with some of his complicated legacy, including “kicking the stigma action fund.” The campaign, launched by the Colts in 2021, provided a $31 million grant to raise awareness about dealing with mental health and addiction issues, research, nonprofits and other organizations.
After fighting alcoholism and drug addiction for decades, Irsay, in his own account, had 15 stints in at least 15 rehabilitation, but tried to turn adversity into a positive way to help others.
It’s the heart.
Of course, the most common indication of Irsay’s challenges was in 2014 when he was arrested for operating a vehicle while drunk not too far from his home from Carmel, a suburb of Indiana, where he was in possession of illegal prescription drugs and more than $29,000 in cash when he was arrested. The incident resulted in a six-game suspension from the NFL and a $500,000 fine.
Looking back at HBO’s real sports in 2023, Irsay argued that his arrest was not on the board. “Because I’m a rich white billionaire,” he said.
It was quite a bit far from what he told me when he returned from the NFL suspension. Following his rehabilitation mission, he owned the case and cast no himself as a victim. He also claimed that his crisis had driven him and moved to lend his voice and resources to causes greater than he himself, as it was revealed years later.
“The way you can get away from stigma is a good thing,” Irsay told USA Today Sports in 2014.
Something else Irsay said to me during that interview is now home too.
“There are death certificates for millions who don’t read “alcoholism,” and that’s what it is. Instead, they say “heart attack,” “stroke,” “liver disease.”
“I know it’s not recognized as a disease, it’s like cancer. Hopefully it will change. There’s a long way to go in this country. It’s not a moral issue.”
According to NFL.com, in March 2024, Irsay, who had hip and hip problems, revealed that he had undergone 26 surgeries over the past seven years. In early 2024, the Colts revealed that, according to ESPN, he was treated for a severe respiratory illness several weeks after Irsay was hospitalized after being found unresponsive at home.
When announcing Irsay’s death, the Colts did not hint at medical details.
It’s no mystery that candid Irsay wasn’t the typical NFL owner. The soccer life form, which began working as a youth at the Colts, inherited the franchise in 1997 after the death of his father, Robert. Robert is the NFL roots that led to a generation of family-owned teams. Therefore, he considered Patriarchs Wellington Mara, Art Rooney Sr. and Lamar Hunt as his uncles.
He was also a certain type of cultural progressive, reflected in his passion for music and an impressive collection of historical artifacts.
Guitarist Irsay, who played his own All-Star band, got guitars used by Elvis Presley, Prince, Jerry Garcia, George Harrison, John Lennon, Bob Dylan and others. He bought a drum set of Elton John Piano and Ringo Starr. The saddle sat in the office when he won the Triple Crown. The championship belt that Muhammad Ali claimed when he defeated George Foreman in “Rumble of the Jungle.” A letter written by Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.
The 500-piece Jim Irsay collection was used for travel exhibitions and for free concerts he staged.
Perhaps Irsay’s most valuable possessions were the original manuscript of the anonymous “Big Book” of alcoholism, printed in 1939. He bought it at auction for $2.4 million.
“These 12 steps have literally saved hundreds of thousands or millions of lives,” Irsay told Holder and ESPN.
On one level, it may be difficult to relate to a quirky billionaire who spent tens of millions of dollars on his vast collection. But on other levels it seemed that the perfect person (even those who don’t struggle with addiction) was always involved with Irsay.
He had a heart.
Perhaps that’s why he was so loved by many people who knew him, including his Colts team players, coaches, staff and other staff in the NFL Universe.
Irsay wasn’t worried about getting closer to the players, so he cried out at Peyton Manning’s Forewell press conference. And that’s why Edguerin James won the Super Bowl ring when the team won the Lombardi Trophy a year after Edguerin James left Indy.
One-time punter-turned media star Pat McAfee shared touching memories on social media, illuminating the player with the essence of Ilsai’s atmosphere. McAfee went to Irsay’s office and informed her of her decision to quit and her two and a half hours of conversation. This included Irsay, who was trying to change McAfee’s mind, offered to redo the contract and then tried business advice.
After all, the Colts were now handed over to Irsay’s three daughters – a family represented. Former coaches Tony Dungey and Chuck Pagano can ensure that they have received personal support from Irsay, dealing with the family’s tragedy and health crisis that explores the soul.
For Colts fans, they had another way of relating to the team owners who could touch them, so to speak. Irsay showed up with cash to practice at Colts Training Camp and handed out a $100 bill to fans.
His legendary presence on social media was also brought to my heart. Not only has Irsay been prone to being resourceful posts about X, but he also has also conducted some of the most amazing presents on social media platforms, usually through the Trivia contest. He was given season tickets and Super Bowl tickets. In 2023 he staged a $1 million schedule assignment. And last year he handed out Taylor Swift concert tickets.
Irsay’s final tweet, late Wednesday morning, highlighted his connection to the city and its sports fans. He nodded to the Indiana Pacers and team owner Herb Simon, preparing for Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
“I’m going to the Pacers,” he posted. “Good luck to Herbs, the entire @Pacers organization and our city.”
A few hours later it turned out to be a farewell post from Irsay. RIP.
Follow Jarrett Bell on social media: @Jarrettbell
