Former Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Matt Ulrich passed away at the age of 41, as confirmed by Colts owner Jim Irsay. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Ulrich, who spent two seasons with the Colts, contributed to the team’s Super Bowl XLI victory against the Chicago Bears. Irsay expressed his condolences, describing Ulrich as a great person, father, and Super Bowl champion. The late player is survived by his wife Alison and four sons.
I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Matt Ulrich. Matt was with us only two seasons, but left his mark on many. Great guy, I hear he was a great dad—and he was a Super Bowl champ. My prayers to his family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Cb21IkP1XT
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) November 8, 2023
A fundraiser has been initiated to support Ulrich’s family, collecting over $53,000 in donations by Thursday night. The campaign aims to provide financial assistance directly to Ulrich’s sons, expressing gratitude for the continuous prayers and support.
Ulrich, an undrafted free agent out of Northwestern, earned a spot on the Colts’ roster after a successful training camp. His NFL career spanned from 2005 to 2006, playing in 10 games over the two seasons. Notably, he contributed to the Colts’ championship in Super Bowl XLI, marking the culmination of his playing career.
Post-retirement, Ulrich engaged in various roles, serving as a player advisor for Harvard’s Football Players Health Study, holding positions as a chief growth officer and partner for Profitable Ideas Exchange, and taking on the role of head coach at Mountain Edge Athletics in Bozeman, Montana. The NFL community mourns the loss of a player who left a lasting impact both on and off the field.