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Jim Ilsai, owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, passed away at the age of 65, the team announced Wednesday.
The Colts said Ilsai died “in peace about his sleep” on Wednesday afternoon. No cause of death was given.
“In addition to Jim’s generosity, commitment to the community and, most importantly, his love for his family, his dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts was outstanding,” the team said in a statement.
Irsay was one of the league’s most famous owners and was remembered as a fierce defender of the Indiana capital. He frequently spoke with reporters and was deeply involved in the Colts football business, making him one of the most visible numbers in the NFL for decades in charge of the franchise.
Before becoming the owner of the franchise, Irsay was appointed general manager at the age of 24. This is the youngest member in the history of the team and has done that job so far.
In 1995, he played a more prominent role within the team, following the death of his father, Robert Ilsai in December 1997, before becoming the sole owner.
During his stay in the organization, the Colts won 10 Division Championships, made two Super Bowl appearances, and overseeing the team in 2006 when Indianapolis defeated the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl XLI.
“While Jim is deeply overlooked by his family, the Colts organization and fans everywhere, we continue to be inspired by his caring, unique spirit,” the team added.
Earlier Wednesday, Irsay tweeted support for the Indiana Pacers ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals with the New York Knicks.
“Go to the Pacers. I wish herbs, the whole @Pacers organization and our city good luck!” writes Irsay.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called Irsay a “friend” and a man who was “a deep commitment to his family, the Games, the Colts and the Indianapolis community.”
“He guides Colts players, coaches and staff with integrity, passion and care, and his courageous work in supporting mental health will be a lasting legacy. He is a talented musician and has built an extraordinary collection of historical and musical artifacts he has shared with people all over the country,” Goodell added.
“On behalf of the entire NFL, I am extending my sincere condolences to Jim’s daughter, her family, and many of his friends throughout the entire NFL.”
Irsay previously suffered from addiction issues. In an interview with HBO’s Real Sports, Irsay said he was supposed to be rehabilitated at least 15 times and had overdose before after mixing multiple drugs at the same time. He was arrested in 2014 for operating a vehicle, but was found drunk and prescription drugs in his possession.
In December 2023, Irsay felt unresponsive and cold after a police report described as an overdose. The Colts later responded to the report in a statement, saying Ilsai is “continuing to recover from respiratory illnesses.” Irsay always denied that the incident was an overdose.
Irsay is an advocate for people dealing with addiction issues and often spoke about removing the stigma around addiction issues. According to the Associated Press, in 2018, they purchased the Alcoholics Anonymous founding document with plans to make it public.
Irsay was a collector of historic items, including the manuscript of the original scroll for Jack Kerouac’s “On The Road,” written on eight sheets of paper tapered together so that beatwriters could write on typewriters continuously.
The Irsay collection consisted of hundreds of musical instruments owned by well-known musicians. This was worn in the famous “Thriller of Manila” battle with Joe Frazier, the volleyball Wilson in the film “Custoway,” and the famous “Thriller of Manila” battle with Joe Frazier, a letter from Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
The eclectic Colts owner also played in bands of his same name, often at events that featured items from his collection.
Former Colts quarterback and professional football hall of fame Peyton Manning said he was “grief” to hear about Arsai’s passing.
“He is an incredibly generous and passionate owner and I am always grateful to him for giving me my start in the NFL,” Manning wrote. “His love for the Colts and Indy towns was unparalleled. His impact on the players who played for him will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in his family and in the Colts community. He will be overlooked.
The Colts are scheduled to hold the 2025 NFL regular season at home, facing the Miami Dolphins on September 7th.
This story has been updated with additional reports.