The Indianapolis Colts and the NFL world were rocked on Wednesday by the sudden passing of longtime owner Jim Irsay, who died peacefully in his sleep at age 65. The news, announced by the Colts on social media, sent shockwaves through the football community, with tributes pouring in for a man who transformed the franchise and left an indelible mark on Indianapolis. Among the most heartfelt was a message from legendary Colts head coach Tony Dungy, who took to social media Thursday morning to honor his former boss and friend.
Dungy’s post, accompanied by a photo of him and Irsay celebrating the Colts’ 2007 Super Bowl victory, laid bare the depth of his grief. “When I got the news last night that Jim Irsay had passed away in his sleep it was devastating to me,” he wrote. “The Bible says in many places that tomorrow is not promised to us but I wasn’t ready for this.” Dungy, who coached the Colts from 2002 to 2008, spoke of Irsay’s kindness and compassion, calling him “one of the kindest, most compassionate people I have ever known.” He highlighted Irsay’s love for his players, staff, and the city of Indianapolis, noting, “He had a heart for people and did so many things for others—more things than you could imagine.” Dungy ended with a personal touch: “I miss him already. He was a special man and I couldn’t have worked for a better owner.”
Irsay’s journey with the Colts began in 1984 when he took on the role of vice president and general manager, stepping into the family business under his father, Bob. By 1997, he was the team’s owner and CEO, a role he held until his passing. One of his defining moments came in 1998, when the Colts drafted Peyton Manning first overall—a pick that reshaped the franchise. With Manning at the helm, Irsay’s vision, alongside Hall of Fame GM Bill Polian and Dungy, turned Indianapolis into a powerhouse. The 2007 Super Bowl win, a 29-17 triumph over the Chicago Bears, was the pinnacle, with Manning earning MVP honors and Dungy becoming the first Black head coach to win the title.
Beyond the gridiron, Irsay was a force for good in Indianapolis. His commitment to the community—through philanthropy, support for local arts, and countless unpublicized acts of generosity—earned him love far beyond football. Posts on X captured the sentiment writing, “No one cared more about the Colts than him. He was always their biggest fan… His team did a lot of it.” Another called him “as kind a human being as you’d ever meet,” proud to have worked for him. Even the Indiana Pacers paid tribute, with owner Herb Simon noting Irsay’s role as a “transformative figure” in the city.
Irsay’s battle with a longtime respiratory illness was no secret, though it’s unclear if it contributed to his death. He’d been on the West Coast for extended physical therapy, a sign of his ongoing health struggles. Yet, even in tough times, he remained a vocal supporter of his team and city, reportedly cheering on the Pacers hours before his passing.
The outpouring of grief from Colts icons like Manning, T.Y. Hilton, and Pat McAfee, alongside NFL figures like Roger Goodell and Bruce Arians, shows just how deeply Irsay was respected. Manning credited Irsay’s staff-building for his success, while McAfee shared an emotional tribute about his boss’s larger-than-life spirit. Irsay leaves behind three daughters and 10 grandchildren, along with a legacy that includes 11 playoff appearances, a Super Bowl title, and a city forever changed by his passion.
For Colts fans, it’s hard to imagine Lucas Oil Stadium without Irsay’s presence—his guitar-strumming, tweetstorming, fan-first energy. Picture him in the owner’s box, grinning as Manning hits Marvin Harrison for a touchdown, or quietly helping a stranger in need, as Dungy said he so often did. Jim Irsay wasn’t just an owner; he was the heartbeat of Indianapolis football. His loss stings, but his impact will echo for generations.
