NFL's Colts Owner, Jim Irsay, Passes Away at 65 with a Fortune of $5 Billion
Breaking: Jim Irsay, Owner of Indianapolis Colts, Passes Away at 65
It's a somber day in the NFL community as Jim Irsay, the esteemed owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has sadly departed at the age of 65. The team officially announced the heartbreaking news on Wednesday, but the cause of Irsay's demise remains undisclosed.
Throughout his tumultuous journey, Irsay braved various health hurdles, including a severe respiratory ailment and surgeries following a home accident that left him wheelchair-bound. Despite these tribulations, Irsay presided over the Colts since inheriting the reins from his father, Bob Irsay, in 1997. In that span, the franchise relocated from Baltimore and established itself in Lucas Oil Stadium (2008). Under Irsay's leadership, the organization flourished along with the ever-growing NFL market.
With a valuation of approximately $4.99 billion according to Sportico's latest NFL evaluations, the Colts rank 27th in the league and 45th among sports teams worldwide. Irsay is survived by daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson—all listed as Colts' vice chairs and significant contributors to team operations. A notable point of interest is that Carlie Irsay-Gordon is expected to assume key leadership responsibilities following her father's passing, as per prior statements made by Irsay expressing his desire for the organization to remain within the family.
NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, extended heartfelt condolences, acknowledging Irsay's lifelong connection to the National Football League. "A friend and a man dedicated to family, football, the Colts, and the Indianapolis community, Jim spent his life and career in the NFL—rising from a teenage Colts ballboy to assume control of the team roughly 30 years ago," he said.
This week, the NFL's spring ownership meetings have been taking place in Minneapolis, where crucial decisions like the potential inclusion of player participation in flag football at the 2028 Olympics have been discussed. At present, it is unknown whether Irsay attended this multi-day convention.
## In the Limelight
Peyton Manning Joins NWSL's Denver Ownership Group
In other football-related news, retired NFL superstar, Peyton Manning, is making headlines for joining the ownership group of the National Women's Soccer League's (NWSL) new expansion team, based in Denver. Manning is set to bring his football expertise and influential charisma to the relatively young and rapidly growing league.
Footnotes:
- Indianapolis Colts
- Sportico
- Forbes
- Indianapolis Star
- Despite the unfortunate passing of Jim Irsay, the esteemed owner of the Indianapolis Colts, his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson, who are listed as Colts' vice chairs, are expected to play significant roles in the team's operations moving forward.
- Peyton Manning, the retired NFL superstar, has made a move to join the ownership group of the National Women's Soccer League's (NWSL) new expansion team based in Denver, showcasing his football expertise and charisma in a new domain.
- While the cause of Jim Irsay's death remains undisclosed, the business acumen he displayed in managing the Indianapolis Colts over the years, leading the franchise from Baltimore to Indy and establishing it in Lucas Oil Stadium, was evident.
- With a valuation of approximately $4.99 billion according to Sportico's latest NFL evaluations, the Colts rank 27th in the league and 45th among sports teams worldwide, highlighting the growth of the NFL market under Jim Irsay's leadership.
