Peyton Manning paid a heartfelt tribute to Jim Irsay following the longtime Indianapolis Colts owner’s death at the age of 65.
The Colts Irsay’s passing in a statement on Wednesday. He had led the franchise since taking control in 1997 following the death of his father Robert.
Irsay had previously served as general manager and vice president, having become the youngest person to assume the title of GM in 1984 when he took on the role aged just 24.
He was known for his eccentric personality and his philanthropic work in addition to his influence on the Colts and the NFL as a whole, having helped design what would become the league’s salary cap in the 1980s.
In his time as both an executive and an owner, the Colts went 316-294-1 in the regular season, making two Super Bowl appearances, including their sole Lombardi Trophy to this point as an Indianapolis franchise, which came in the 2006 season.
The Colts were perennial contenders in the 2000s in large part thanks to the decision to draft Hall of Famer Manning first overall in 1998. Manning led the Colts to glory in Super Bowl XLI and to another appearance in Super Bowl XLIV three seasons later.
In a post on Instagram, Manning wrote: “I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay’s passing. 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 the city of Indy was unmatched. His impact on the players who played for him will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone in the Colts community. He will be missed. Jim, rest in peace my friend.”
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Tony Dungy, who coached the Colts to that Super Bowl title, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “When I got the news last night that Jim Irsay had passed away in his sleep it was devastating to me.
“The Bible says in many places that tomorrow is not promised to us but I wasn’t ready for this. Jim was one of the kindest, most compassionate people I have ever known.
“He was awesome to me and my family. He was a blessing to his players and staff. But more than that he had a heart for people and for the city of Indianapolis.
“He loved people and did so many things for others—more things than you could imagine. I miss him already. He was a special man and I couldn’t have worked for a better owner.”
A statement from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell read: “We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay’s passing.
“Jim was a friend, and a man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts, and the Indianapolis community. He spent his life and career in the National Football League. Starting as a teenager as a Colts’ ballboy, he learned every position in the organization before assuming leadership of the Colts approximately 30 years ago. Jim’s Colts won the Super Bowl, hosted another and built Lucas Oil Stadium.
“Within the League, Jim was an active Chairman of the Legislative Committee and member of the Finance Committee. He led with integrity, passion and care for the Colts’ players, coaches and staff, and his courageous work in support of mental health will be a lasting legacy. Outside of football, he was a talented musician and built an extraordinary collection of historical and musical artifacts that he shared with people across the country.
“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.”
