#ThankYouJimIrsay
Former Colts head coach Tony Dungy
Former Colts general manager Bill Polian
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Irsay. Eileen joins me in sending our heartfelt condolences to Carlie, Casey, Kalen, and the entire Irsay family. We owe Jim and his family a debt of gratitude we can never repay.
I was privileged to share a wonderful friendship with Jim, which began long before I worked for him and lasted until this sad day.
For those of us fortunate enough to be part of the Colts family, Jim was a tremendously supportive, incredibly knowledgeable, and personally caring leader. His focus on family extended well beyond his immediate family to his much larger Colts universe. His concern and generosity toward former players and employees is well known among those of us who part of the organization.
When Jim assumed leadership of the Colts, he shared his goals with us. He wanted the Colts to compete for and win Super Bowls. He wanted the organization and all who worked for it to be good, upstanding, and contributing citizens of the Indianapolis community. And he wanted the "horseshoe" to be a symbol of excellence and civic commitment throughout the sports world. As an owner, he modeled himself after the stalwarts of the NFL, such as Wellington Mara, Dan Rooney, and George Halas. He wished to carry on their tradition of excellence on the field, while putting the betterment of the league at the forefront of all we did. He succeeded on all counts!
Jim's legacy is not only the Lombardi Trophy and Lucas Oil Stadium. It includes in greater measure, the respect, admiration, gratitude, and affection from all of us who proudly wore the horseshoe for Jim. May he rest in peace."
Former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (Instagram)
"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."
Former Colts wide receiver & current wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne (Instagram)
"Man. Im absolutely crushed... You've done so much for me and so many others. There will "NEVER" be another one like you.... REST IN PEACE🕊 🕊 🕊 #jimirsay"
Former Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney (Instagram)
"My condolences to the Irsay family. My heart is broken. Words can't describe how much he has meant to me and my family. Jim was one of the most loving and passionate people I ever met. He was one of the best owners in league history! He would do anything for any of us players. Rest in peace big fella, until we meet again. You will be dearly missed."
Former Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri
Former Colts safety Marlin Jackson
Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II
Former Colts punter Pat McAfee
Former Colts head coach Jim Caldwell
"My family and I are profoundly saddened by the passing of Jim Irsay. He possessed an extraordinary capacity for compassion and dedication to people and the sport of football. A pivotal force behind the remarkable success of the Indianapolis Colts, Jim provided unwavering leadership and support as well as the essential resources required to achieve greatness. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family during these challenging times."
Former Colts coach Bruce Arians
Former Colts quarterback Andrew Luck & former Colts head coach Frank Reich
Former Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton
Former Colts center Ryan Kelly
Former Colts defensive back Darius Butler
Former Colts linebacker Pat Angerer
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
"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."
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Chicago Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey
New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft
New York Jets Chairman Woody Johnson
Buffalo Bills Owner Terry Pegula
Los Angeles Chargers Owner Dean Spanos
Kansas City Chiefs Chairman & CEO Clark Hunt
Baltimore Ravens Owner Steve Biscotti
Cincinnati Bengals President Mike Brown
Houston Texans Owners Janice, Hannah and Cal McNair
Jacksonville Jaguars Owner Shad Khan
Arizona Cardinals Owner Michael Bidwell
Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke
Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank
Carolina Panthers Owners David & Nicole Tepper
New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson
"It is with sadness to hear of the sudden passing of Jim Irsay. He was a one-of-a-kind gentleman that was so proud to be the steward for his beloved Indianapolis Colts football team and the community it represents. Our organizations will forever be linked through Super Bowl XLIV. He, his family, and the Colts organization represented the epitome of class and graciousness in the days and years that have followed. My thoughts and prayers are extended to the Irsay family during this most difficult time."
The Glazer Family, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Owners
Mark & Zygi Wilf, Minnesota Vikings ownership group
The York Family, San Francisco 49ers
Miami Dolphins
Las Vegas Raiders
Denver Broncos
Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers
Tennessee Titans
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
Seattle Seahawks
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commanders
New York Giants
Lucas Oil Stadium
AES Indiana
Pacers Sports and Entertainment Owner Herb Simon
"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."
Penske Entertainment
Indiana Sports Corp
USA Football CEO & Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck
SMU Football
Indy Fuel
Indy Ignite
Fishers Freight
Indiana Governor Mike Braun
Senator Todd Young
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsestt
"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."
Representative Andre Carson
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita
Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport
Film director Peter Berg (Instagram)
Jim Irsay was as sweet and charming a man as has ever walked this earth. A poet and poem. A scrappy angel with the heart of a lion.
He filled my heart and made me a better human.
I love Jim Irsay.
