INDIANAPOLIS Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay has died at the age of 65, the team has confirmed.
The franchise said Irsay “passed away peacefully in his sleep” on Wednesday afternoon.
Getty Images – GettyIndianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has passed away at 65[/caption]
GettyThe Colts owner and CEO died ‘peacefully in his sleep’[/caption]
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Details surrounding his death have not yet been released, though he had been battling various health issues in recent years.
Irsay took control of the Colts in 1997 following the death of his father, Robert Irsay, who bought the team in 1972 for $12 million.
“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,” the Colts said in a statement.
“Jim’s dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed.”
“Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them.”
Irsay’s career with the team began decades earlier when he worked in every department before becoming the NFL’s youngest general manager in 1984, just as the Colts moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis.
After assuming full ownership in the late 90s, he helped guide the team to its first Super Bowl title in Indianapolis and oversaw a string of division championships.
“Jim’s love and appreciation for the NFL in addition to its history, tradition, and principles influenced him to become a steward of the game throughout his 50-plus years in the League,” the statement continued.
He was also known for his philanthropy and passion for music.
“He made philanthropy a daily endeavor. He never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives.
“Music was one of Jim’s passions and the ability to share his band and collection with millions of people across the world brought him tremendous joy. ”
“Simply put, he wanted to make the world a better place and that philosophy never wavered.”
“Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit.”
“NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said: “We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay’s passing today.
“Jim was a friend, and a man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts, and the Indianapolis community.
“On behalf of the entire NFL, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jim’s daughters and their families, and to his many friends throughout the NFL.”
Irsay was arrested in 2014 for driving under the influence, a charge he later claimed stemmed from being singled out as “a rich, white billionaire.”
He maintained that a recent hip surgery—not alcohol—was the reason he failed the field sobriety test.
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