Indianapolis Colts proprietor Jim Irsay, who took over the NFL crew in 1997 and presided over a few of their best franchise moments, has handed away on the age of 65.
The Colts confirmed the information in an announcement, saying Irsay died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday.
Irsay grew up across the Colts and was made normal supervisor by his father in 1984 – shortly after the transfer from Baltimore to Indianapolis – and was then the proprietor for the historic run to the Tremendous Bowl in 2007.
“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,” the Colts’ assertion learn.
With the assistance of Corridor of Fame coach Tony Dungy and Corridor of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, the Colts shortly turned perennial contenders beneath Irsay, with a string of divisional titles earlier than a Tremendous Bowl overcome the Chicago Bears in 2007. The Colts additionally reached the Tremendous Bowl in 2010 however misplaced to the New Orleans Saints.
“I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay’s passing,” Manning, the primary decide of the 1998 draft, mentioned on social media. “He was an incredibly generous and passionate owner and I will always be indebted to him for giving me my start in the NFL.
“His love for the Colts and town of Indy was unmatched. His affect on the gamers who performed for him won’t be forgotten.”
The Irsay NFL dynasty began in 1972 when Robert acquired the Los Angeles Rams and then immediately traded franchises with then-Colts owner Carroll Rosenbloom.
The younger Irsay worked his way up from ball boy to office clerk and then general manager when his father relocated the team. By the time he assumed ownership, he was the youngest franchise owner in NFL history at 37.
An entrepreneur and an avid music fan, Irsa’s remaining public message to followers was a observe of assist to the Colts’ NBA counterparts, the Indiana Pacers, who have been going through the New York Knicks on Wednesday in Sport 1 of the Japanese Convention Finals.
“Go PACERS. Good luck to Herb, the entire @Pacers organization, and our city!” Irsay wrote on X, hours earlier than his loss of life was reported. He would have turned 66 subsequent month.
