Great sadness in the NFL. The Colts owner has died.

The Indianapolis Colts mourn the loss of their longtime owner Jim Irsay. As the NFL franchise announced on Thursday night, the owner passed away on Wednesday afternoon at the age of 65.

According to the announcement, Irsay “passed away peacefully in his sleep.” Irsay took over the franchise from his father Robert in 1995 after he suffered a stroke.

Robert Irsay died about two years later, making Jim the official owner of the Colts. Irsay led the Colts to several division titles and their first Super Bowl (2006) since moving from Baltimore to Indianapolis.

“We are devastated that our beloved owner and CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,” said Colts Chief Operating Officer Pete Ward in a statement released by the team. ‘Jim’s dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts, as well as his generosity, commitment to the community and, most importantly, his love for his family, were unmatched.’

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— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 21, 2025

Jim Irsay rarely seen in public

Irsay is survived by his daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, his ex-wife and mother of his daughters, Meg Coyle, and ten grandchildren. Irsay-Gordon, his eldest daughter, is considered the most vocal supporter of the team. She represented her father during his NFL suspension in 2014 after his arrest for drunk driving.

“We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Irsay today. Jim was a friend and a man who was deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts, and the Indianapolis community,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. ”He led the Colts with integrity, passion, and care for their players, coaches, and employees.”

In December 2023, Irsay was hospitalized after being found unconscious in his bedroom. Since then, the longtime Colts owner had rarely been seen in public.