Jim Irsay, longtime proprietor and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts and one of many NFL’s most recognizable figures, has died at age 65. The franchise introduced that Irsay handed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday afternoon.
“We’re devastated to announce our beloved Proprietor & CEO, Jim Irsay, handed away peacefully in his sleep,” Colts chief working officer Pete Ward stated in an announcement. “Jim’s dedication and fervour for the Indianapolis Colts, along with his generosity, dedication to the group, and most significantly, his love for his household have been unsurpassed.”
Irsay, who took over full management of the group in 1997 following the dying of his father Robert Irsay, presided over probably the most profitable period in Colts historical past. Underneath his management, the group drafted quarterback Peyton Manning in 1998, ushering in additional than a decade of dominance that included eight division titles and a victory in Tremendous Bowl XLI.
Born into soccer royalty, Jim Irsay grew up across the recreation and started working with the Colts as an adolescent, dealing with every thing from tools to front-office duties. He turned the NFL’s youngest common supervisor in 1984, the 12 months the group relocated from Baltimore to Indianapolis. He later assumed day-to-day management of the franchise in 1995 when his father suffered a stroke.
Past the gridiron, Irsay was identified for his colourful persona, deep love of music and philanthropic spirit. He amassed a world well-known assortment of music memorabilia and ceaselessly shared it with the general public by means of excursions and performances along with his band. His charitable contributions benefited numerous people and organizations throughout Indiana and the US, from psychological well being initiatives to help for underserved communities.
“Merely put, he needed to make the world a greater place and that philosophy by no means wavered,” Ward stated. “Jim shall be deeply missed by his household, the Colts group, and followers in all places.”
Irsay is survived by his daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson; his ex-wife, Meg Coyle; and 10 grandchildren.
The Colts haven’t introduced succession plans, however Irsay’s daughters – already energetic in group operations – are anticipated to proceed his legacy.
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