JIM IRSAY -- the longtime Indianapolis Colts owner and CEO -- died on Wednesday at 65, the team announced in a statement.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 21, 2025
“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,” the team wrote in a statement. “Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit.”
No cause of death was announced, however, Irsay struggled with health issues in recent years.
With many in the sports business in NYC for the Sports Business Awards, host Curt Menefee informed the attendees of Irsay’s passing. Attendees held a moment of silence in tribute.
The Athletic reports that “Irsay’s oldest of three daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, is expected to assume principal ownership duties of the team.” It also writes that “COO Pete Ward and GM Chris Ballard” will continue overseeing day-to-day operations.
In a statement from the NFL, Commissioner Roger Goodell shared that “Jim was a friend, and a man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts, and the Indianapolis community. ... Starting as a teenager as a Colts’ ballboy, he learned every position in the organization before assuming leadership of the Colts approximately 30 years ago. Within the League, Jim was an active Chairman of the Legislative Committee and member of the Finance Committee. He led with integrity, passion and care for the Colts’ players, coaches and staff, and his courageous work in support of mental health will be a lasting legacy.”
