Former Indianapolis Colts players, coaches react to Jim Irsay's death
The Indianapolis Colts and NFL community showed an outpouring of support in the wake of Colts owner Jim Irsay's death Wednesday.
In a statement, the Colts said Irsay died peacefully in his sleep. He was 65 years old.
Irsay started as a ball boy for the Colts in 1972 when his father, Robert Irsay, purchased the team, then based in Baltimore. The younger Irsay was tied to the Horseshoe from then on, becoming general manager in 1984 (the league's youngest at age 24) and taking over as owner after his father's death in 1997 (also the league's youngest at age 37).
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He quickly became known for his candid personality and contributions to the Colts, NFL and Indianapolis community. The Colts had a .570 winning percentage with Irsay as owner, sixth best in the NFL during that span, and the team won Super Bowl XLI in January 2007.
'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 Colts' statement reads.
Here is what a few prominent former players, colleagues and peers of Irsay posted in reaction to his death:
Peyton Manning: Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback, Super Bowl XLI champion with the Colts, five-time NFL MVP, 14-time Pro Bowler, with Indianapolis from 1998-2011
Peyton Manning on the passing of Jim Irsay pic.twitter.com/9CfYfHAfI5
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 22, 2025
Andrew Luck: Selected first by the Colts in the 2012 NFL Draft, league record-holder for most passing yards in a rookie season (4,374), four-time Pro Bowler over seven seasons in Indy, Pro Football Hall of Famer
General Manager Andrew Luck and Interim Head Coach Frank Reich remember their former colleague and friend, Jim Irsay. https://t.co/7xS7C93Y0w pic.twitter.com/oeQc4alI5S
— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) May 22, 2025
Tony Dungy: Colts head coach from 2002-2008 during Super Bowl XLI win, Pro Football Hall of Fame member
When I got the news last night that Jim Irsay had passed away in his sleep it was devastating to me. The Bible says in many places that tomorrow is not promised to us but I wasn't ready for this. Jim was one of the kindest, most compassionate people I have ever known. He was… pic.twitter.com/Gf7qNXCTPD
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) May 22, 2025
Reggie Wayne: Colts wide receiver from 2001-14, ranks second in franchise history in career receiving yards (14,345) behind Marvin Harrison, a six-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XLI champion
This hurts my soul…. https://t.co/wpK1fPD3jW
— Reggie Wayne (@ReggieWayne_17) May 21, 2025
Jonathan Taylor: Current Colts running back, franchise record holder in single-season rushing yards (1,811) and rushing touchdowns (18)
💙🕊️ https://t.co/urrOZamZNE
— Jonathan Taylor (@JayT23) May 22, 2025
Adam Vinatieri: Colts placekicker from 2006-19, holds NFL record for most consecutive field goals made with 44, won his fourth Super Bowl with the Colts after three with New England
I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Jim Irsay. He was more than just an owner, he as a man of the people and his generosity was unmatched. I'll always be grateful for the opportunity to have played under his leadership, and his impact on my life. Rest in peace, Jim. pic.twitter.com/fvxlmH9PZT
— Adam Vinatieri (@adamvinatieri) May 22, 2025
T.Y. Hilton: Four-time Pro Bowl receiver with the Colts
Please don't ask me if I'm ok. Cuz I'm not. Thank You Sooo Much Mr.Irsay. I will forever hold our talks close to my heart. Love You! RIP Mr.Irsay 🥹🥹🥹🥹😢😢 pic.twitter.com/EeOh5lmec5
— TY Hilton (@TYHilton13) May 22, 2025
Pat McAfee: Colts punter from 2009-16, two-time Pro Bowler, current host of ESPN's 'The Pat McAfee Show' and 'College GameDay' analyst
This is devastating..
Jim had friendships with a lot of his former players.. I was lucky to be one of them.
Playing for a team that Mr Irsay ran was an honor. He was funny, brilliant, unique, and somehow still wildly relatable for a man who became the sole owner of an NFL team… https://t.co/9dOUFziJJe pic.twitter.com/sVOT49ne3D
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 22, 2025
Ryan Kelly: Colts first-round pick in 2016, four-time Pro Bowl center, with Colts from 2016-24
RIP Jim 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/FcozZffZKX
— Ryan Kelly (@ryan_kelly70) May 22, 2025
Matt Overton: Began NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Colts, 2013 Pro Bowl long snapper, played in Indy from 2012-16
Heartbreaking.
Mr. Irsay was a kind, loving and gave so much to Indy. His passion for the Colts and the game was always evident. Forever grateful to him and the honor to wear the Horseshoe. God Bless you boss man, the Irsay family and all of Colts Nation. https://t.co/wkpi2PDHSq
— Matt Overton (@MattOverton_LS) May 21, 2025
Chuck Pagano: Colts head coach from 2012-17, led team to back-to-back AFC South titles in 2013 and 2014
I'm Heartbroken over the passing of Jim Irsay. NOBODY loved his Family, his Team and his Community more than Jim!! He gave me the opportunity of a lifetime and stood by me in my darkest hour! His generosity and kindness are unmatched. I'm forever grateful. Love you, Boss💙💙RIP pic.twitter.com/jbGarmX2aJ
— Chuck Pagano (@ChuckPaganoNFL) May 22, 2025
Brian Baldinger: Colts offensive lineman from 1988-91
.@Colts I loved wearing the Horseshoe. RIP Jim Irsay we ❤️ U
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) May 22, 2025
Darius Butler: Colts defensive back from 2012-17
A generous man that LOVED his Family, Community and Football team.
Jim Irsay will truly be missed. 🖤🕊️ https://t.co/HqHPNAVLsl
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) May 21, 2025
Marvin Harrison Jr.: Son of Colts great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, current receiver with the Arizona Cardinals
RIP MR. IRSAY🙏🏾 https://t.co/NPhX5gWw1a
— Marvin Harrison Jr. (@MarvHarrisonJr) May 22, 2025
Kenny Moore II: Current Colts cornerback, 2021 Pro Bowler
Thinking of the Irsay family during this time of loss. I'll remember the great leader you were and the spirit you continually kept. Say hello to my dad 🙏🏾 https://t.co/vMAmF0B8lU
— Kenny Moore II (@KennyKennyMoe3) May 22, 2025
DeForest Buckner: Current Colts defensive tackle, three-time Pro Bowler
🙏🏾🕊️ https://t.co/XXHozPMvUW
— DeForest Buckner (@DeForestBuckner) May 21, 2025
(Photo of Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay: Bobby Ellis / Getty Images)
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