Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts owner, dies at 65

Jim Irsay, the straight-shooting, hard-living, football-loving owner and chief executive of the Indianapolis Colts who spent his entire adult life around the team that his father bought more than a half-century ago, died on Wednesday. He was 65.

His death was confirmed in a statement by Pete Ward, the Colts' chief operations officer, who stated that he died in his sleep that afternoon.

No cause of death was specified.  Irsay had been battling health concerns in recent years. When he arrived at the Indianapolis Colts' training camp last summer, it was his first public appearance since the previous season, according to The Indianapolis Star, and he said that he had been recovering from many surgeries following a fall at home.

Following his father's death in 1997, Irsay became the team's owner and CEO. His ownership tenure coincided with the debut of quarterback Peyton Manning, who led the Colts to victory in the 2007 Super Bowl.

“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 Colts said in a statement.

Before becoming the owner of the franchise, Irsay was named general manager at 24 years old, the youngest in team history to ever hold that job, according to the Colts.

During his time with the organization, the Colts won 10 division championships, made two Super Bowl appearances and oversaw the team winning their fourth title in 2006, when Indianapolis defeated the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.

“Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit,” the team added.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell described Irsay as a "friend" and a "man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts, and the Indianapolis community."

“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,” Goodell added.

“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 previously suffered with addiction; in an interview with Real Sports on HBO, he stated that he had been to rehab at least 15 times and had overdosed after combining numerous narcotics at the same time. He was detained in 2014 for driving while inebriated, and prescription medications were discovered in his hands.

Irsay was an avid collector of historical things, including the original scroll manuscript of Jack Kerouac's "On the Road," which was composed on eight sheets of paper taped together to allow the Beat writer to type continually on his typewriter.

The Irsay Collection also consisted of hundreds of musical instruments owned by famous musicians, the boots Muhammad Ali wore during his famous “Thrilla in Manila” fight against Joe Frazier, the volleyball Wilson from the movie “Castaway” and letters from Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Irsay is survived by daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson.