Former Colts, Indiana officials react to Jim Irsay's passing

INDIANAPOLIS - Colts owner Jim Irsay has died at age 65.




In a press release, the Colts confirmed that Irsay died in his sleep Wednesday afternoon. Irsay had fought several health issues in the months and years preceding his death.




FOX59/CBS4 Colts reporter Mike Chappell reflected on Irsay's life, legacy and history here. The Colts released a statement on Irsay's death on X Wednesday night.




Soon after the Colts' announced Irsay had passed, reactions began pouring in from former Colts players, Irsay's NFL peers and officials with the State of Indiana. FOX59/CBS4 has been tracking the well-wishes and condolences Hoosiers and others have sent to Irsay's family:

Peyton Manning, former Colts quarterback

"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, #18."

Herb Simon, Pacers Sports and Entertainment Owner

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Jim Irsay. Jim took the time today to cheer us on - he was more than the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, he was a transformative figure in our city and state, a passionate advocate for the community, and someone whose generosity, vision and spirit touched countless lives. Jim helped shape our city into the sports capital it is today, and his legacy, both on and off the field, will continue to inspire us and generations to come. On behalf of our family, we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Irsay family, the Colts organization, fans and all who loved Jim. He will be sorely missed."

Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner

"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. 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 county.




"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."

Mike Braun, Indiana Governor

"Very sad to hear the news of Jim Irsay's passing. The Irsay family brought football to the State of Indiana and his philanthropic efforts will have a lasting impact for years to come. Hoosiers' thoughts and prayers are with the Irsay family."

Todd Young, U.S. Senator

"Jim Irsay's passion for football was surpassed only by his kindness and generosity. He will be deeply missed. My condolences to the entire Irsay family and Colts organization."

Darius Butler, former Colts defensive back

"A generous man that LOVED his Family, Community and Football team. Jim Irsay will truly be missed."

Reggie Wayne, former Colts wide receiver

"Rest in Power J.I. 'Big Man'

J.J. Watt, former Houston Texans defensive end

"Terribly sorry to hear this news. Thought are with the Irsay family and the entire Indianapolis community."

Andre Carson, U.S. Representative

"Jim Irsay was always rooting for Indianapolis. From the field, to the court, to countless philanthropic and community building efforts, Jim's impact can be seen everywhere. Indianapolis lost an icon today. My heartfelt thoughts are with Jim's family and all who loved him."

Todd Rokita, Indiana Attorney General

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Irsay, a true Hoosier icon. His leadership of the Colts brought pride to Indiana, uniting fans and communities everywhere. Whether it was bringing us a Super Bowl, delivering a winning record in numerous seasons, or showcasing his generosity through the millions of dollars he donated to help others, his memory will live on forever. Our thoughts are with his family, the Colts organization, and all Hoosiers mourning this loss."

Penske Entertainment

"Jim Irsay was an incredibly kind, brilliant and dedicated leader whose generosity and appreciation for central Indiana and out entire state made a massive and irreplacable impact on so many lives. He will be sorely missed and very fondly remembered. Everyone across Penske Entertainment, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar expresses our deepest condolences to his family and friends and the entire Colts organization."

Diego Morales, Indiana Secretary of State

"My wife, Sidonia and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Irsay, a passionate leader and beloved owner of the Indianapolis Colts. His contributions to the Colts and the community were immeasurable."

Scott Hallenbeck, CEO and Executive Director of USA Football

"I am incredibly saddened by the passing of Colts owner Jim Irsay. Jim's impact on our sport has been profound. Under his leadership, the Colts achieved remarkable success on and off the field - bringing a Super Bowl Championship home to Indiana and serving as a champion for our community.




"From the moment we made Indianapolis our home, Jim was a strong advocate for USA Football and our mission to lead, strengthen and grow the game. His support was instrumental in advancing our work and meant so much to me personally. He was a true advocate for the game.




"On behalf of USA Football, I extend our deepest condolences to Jim's family, friends and the entire Colts organization. We wish them much peace, strength and comfort during this difficult time."

AES Indiana

AES Indiana illuminated its building with blue and white lights to honor Jim Irsay on Wednesday night.

Washington Commanders

"We join the NFL community in offering our condolences to the Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family on the passing of Colts Owner and CEO Jim Irsay. Jim made significant contributions to the game during his 50-plus years with the franchise and was a true steward of the NFL. His passion and dedication to our league, his community and the fans were truly inspiring. Our hearts are with the Colts and the Irsay family at this time."

George H. McCaskey, Chairman of the Chicago Bears

"Jim was a Chicago guy through and through, and spoke often about his pride in being connected to our great city. He was a gracious victor in Super Bowl XLI, and he was a great friend of the Bears. Our condolences to Carlie, Casey, Kalen and the entire Irsay family."

Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Insider

Colts owner Jim Irsay was a legend, a truly unique and endearing man. As an owner, he had many significant contributions to his team and the NFL.

For me personally, this was his biggest: The first to publicly call for Dan Snyder's removal while many others were quiet.

Michael Bidwill, Arizona Cardinals owner

"Our hearts go out to the Irsay family and the entire Colts organization on their tremendous loss. When I re-joined the Cardinals in 1996, one of the first people to reach out to offer his support and encouragement was Jim Irsay; it meant so much that I still have that note to this day. Among the things I will remember about him are his love of the Colts, the NFL, and the City of Indianapolis, his passion for music and his advocacy for so many important causes, especially those surrounding mental health. Jim Irsay was a one-of-a-kind human being who made a lasting impact on so many and he will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him."

Robert Kraft, New England Patriots owner

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Irsay. Jim was a passionate Colts fan whose love for the game of football was only matched by his love for music. He brought a unique spirit and energy into the room and had an unmistakable presence.




"Jim's boldness defined his legacy, not just as the steward of the Colts, but as someone who never shied away from being unapologetically himself. His contributions to our league and his compassion for his community will leave a lasting mark. On behalf of my family and the entire New England Patriots organization, I extend our deepest condolences to the Irsay family, the Colts' organization, and all who knew and loved him."

Joe Hogsett, Mayor of Indianapolis

"My thoughts and condolences are with the entire Irsay family and Colts organization as they mourn the loss of Jim Irsay. Jim's love for Indianapolis was undeniable. Under his leadership, the Colts franchise entered a new era and brought with it Lucas Oil Stadium, which propelled Indianapolis into a new era of sports hosting. He also gave back to this community in countless ways from his support of the YMCA and commitment to ending the stigma of mental health. Jim represented the power sports can have on a city."

Mark and Zygi Wilf, Minnesota Vikings ownership group

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay. Jim was a respected voice within the NFL community because of his passion for the game, his respect for its history and traditions, and his love for the players and the fans. He was a dedicated philanthropist who gave tremendous resources to raising awareness of mental health disorders, funding research and services and fighting the stigmas often tied to mental health. most importantly, Jim love his family and was a proud father to Carlie, Casey and Kalen. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Irsay family and the entire Colts organization during this difficult time."

SMU football

"Jim was one of us - a proud member of the 1978 Mustangs team who graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism in 1982. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Irsay family and the Colts organization during this difficult time."

Woody Johnson, New York Jets Chairman

"I'm very saddened to hear the news of Jim's passing. I have known Jim since I came into the NFL 25 years ago and always found him to be warm and gracious. I had the good fortune of serving on committees with him. His wisdom was always insightful, appreciated and respected. My family's thoughts and prayers are with the Irsay family and the Indianapolis Colts. He leaves a lasting legacy and will be sincerely missed."

Indiana Sports Corp

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Irsay. It is impossible to fully convey the impact he had had on so many in our community including Indiana Sports Corp. Through his leadership, philanthropy, and fierce commitment to the Colts and our city, he helped shape Indianapolis into the city we know and love today. Thank you, Jim.




We send our deepest sympathies to the Irsay family and everyone in the Indianapolis Colts organization. This is a significant loss to our community, and he will be greatly missed."

Indy Fuel

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jim Irsay and we send our condolences to his loved ones at this time. Jim was an excellent ambassador of all sports in Indianapolis and an integral part of growing the community."

Indy Ignite

"On behalf of the entire Indy Ignite family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Irsay family and the Indianapolis Colts organization.




"Mr. Irsay's legacy of generosity, kindness and love for football is evident across our city, state and far beyond. His leadership helped lay the groundwork for the incredible sports community we enjoy every day. His passion for music, history and culture gave us the opportunity to experience one of the greatest collections of artifacts anywhere. He will be deeply missed."

Miami Dolphins

"On behalf of Stephen Ross, his family and the entire Dolphins organization, we send our deepest condolences to the Irsay family and the Indianapolis Colts. Jim Irsay's passion for the game of football, matched only by his passion and generosity and helping others, will forever be remembered across the NFL and beyond."

Las Vegas Raiders

"The Raiders family was saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Irsay, Owner of the Indianapolits Colts and one of professional football's most passionate stewards. Jim's love of the Colts and appreciation for the NFL was evident in his tireless efforts to promote and improve the game, and his commitment to the Indianapolis community and generosity in his philanthropic efforts touched countless lives. The thoughts of the entire Raider Nation are with his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson, and the entire Irsay family at this time."

Pat McAfee, former Colts punter

McAfee posted a lengthy statement on X, which read in part:




"This is devastating..

"Jim had friendships with a lot of his former players.. I was lucky to be one of them.

Playing for a team that Mr Irsay ran was an honor. He was funny, brilliant, unique, and somehow still wildly relatable for a man who became the sole owner of an NFL team at the age of 37.. and before that, hired as the youngest general manager in the history of the league as a 24 year old."





via: https://fox59.com/news/former-colts-indiana-officials-react-to-jim-irsays-passing/