INDIANAPOLIS, IN - A year has passed since the NFL and the city of Indianapolis lost one of its most passionate figures, Jim Irsay. The longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts passed away on May 21st, 2025, at the age of 65. Today, we remember not just the man who led the Colts to Super Bowl glory, but the music lover, literary collector, and larger-than-life personality whose vision shaped an entire city's sports culture.
In a special video tribute from ESPN, legendary quarterback Peyton Manning shared heartfelt memories of Irsay's unwavering commitment to the Colts and his players. Manning spoke of the rare dedication Irsay showed, recalling how the owner personally handed in the draft card that announced Manning as the first overall pick in 1998. "When that's your first day on the job and you see your owner there, you realize how committed he was to winning," Manning said.
Irsay's passion for the game was equaled only by his passion for those who wore the horseshoe. Manning recounted how Irsay would be in the locker room after every game, on the road or at home, shaking hands and offering encouragement. "He was the kind of guy you wanted to play hard for, that you wanted to win for," Manning said.
Beyond football, Irsay's deep love of music and literature was legendary. From amassing over 100 guitars to owning Jack Kerouac's original manuscript of On the Road, Irsay was a true cultural collector whose interests transcended the gridiron.
Perhaps Irsay's greatest legacy was the bond he forged between the Colts and the city of Indianapolis. When he took over as owner in 1997, football was an afterthought in a town known for basketball and racing. Under his leadership, the Colts became perennial contenders, transforming Indianapolis into a football town. "That was Jim's commitment to the city - he was going to bring them a winner, and he did," Manning said.
In his final years, Irsay remained a generous leader, supporting players and their families in ways that rarely made headlines. "The answer was always yes," Manning recalled, whether it was about signing key players or flying families across the country. That selflessness defined him as an owner and a person.
As we reflect on Jim Irsay's life, one year later, it's clear that his legacy lives on in every snap of the football, every Super Bowl ring in the city, and every fan who proudly wears the blue and white. As Manning put it, "When in doubt, he cared about his community, he cared about his family - but he loved the Colts. He loved the horseshoe."
