Jim Irsay, legendary NFL owner of the Indianapolis Colts, passes away

Jim Irsay, the legendary owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has passed away.

The team released a statement on social media Wednesday evening, sharing the tragic news that Irsay had passed away “peacefully in his sleep this afternoon.”

Irsay’s father, Robert Irsay, acquired the Baltimore Colts when Irsay was just 12 years old. As a child, the younger Irsay spent time as a ball boy on the field and even worked in the ticket office. He joined the Colts’ professional staff after graduating from SMU, and eventually became the team’s general manager in early 1984, right after the Colts moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis. At just 24 years of age, Irsay had become the youngest general manager in league history.

When his father passed away in 1997, Irsay set another NFL record, becoming the youngest NFL team owner at just 37 years old.

As reflected in the statement, Irsay “led the Colts to a long series of division titles and brought the city its first Super Bowl Championship. 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.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shared this message at news of Irsay’s passing:

Jim Irsay was 65 years old.