Latest news with #JimIrsay
Fox News
3 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Colts great Reggie Wayne fights back tears while remembering late owner Jim Irsay: 'He had the biggest heart'
Indianapolis Colts great and current wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne fought back tears during the team's first media availability on Wednesday following the death of longtime owner Jim Irsay. It was an emotional moment for Wayne, a six-time Pro Bowler and a member of the Colts' Super Bowl XLI winning team, as he spoke about his relationship with Irsay, who passed away in his sleep last week at age 65. "It's like losing a family member. There were times that I felt like [Irsay] treated me like I was one of his sons even though he didn't have any," Wayne managed a smile as he spoke to reporters. "When you lose something like that, it definitely shocks the soul." Irsay famously began his football career as a ball boy when his father first purchased the team in 1972 – when the Colts still played in Baltimore. He slowly moved up the ranks and became the youngest team owner at 37 when he took over for his father following his death in 1997. "He had the biggest heart in the city. I think we all know how caring he was, how easy he was as far as giving… I think he was definitely the heart of this city," Wayne continued. Wayne played his entire 14-year career with the Colts after being drafted out of the University of Miami with the 30th overall pick in 2001. He led the league in receiving yards in 2007, was three-time All-Pro and ranks second in franchise history for most receiving records behind Marvin Harrison. He returned to the Colts in 2022 as an assistant coach. While reminiscing about his time with Irsay, Wayne struggled to explain the message he shared with receivers after learning about Irsay's passing. "I told the receivers, I said, 'A lot of y'all don't really know him but he would've done anything for anybody. He would've gave the clothes off his back," he said tearfully. "He cared about his players. He cared about his team. He cared about the city. And it wasn't just the players, he cared about the people in the building. He was that dude. And I told them, I said straight up 'Man, y'all don't really know him but y'all got to push your ass for him. Because he would've done that for y'all. So, that's what I told them. I said, 'Y'all got homework to do, man. Read about him. Learn about him. So that you really know the type of person he was.'" Irsay battled health and addiction issues in his life. Despite his struggles, he restored glory to the franchise and left an everlasting impact on the organization. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Colts legend Reggie Wayne bursts into tears discussing Jim Irsay's death at heartbreaking press conference
A grieving Indianapolis Colts legend Reggie Wayne broke down in tears Wednesday as he discussed the recent passing of team owner Jim Irsay. 'I told the receivers, a lot of y'all don't really know him but he would've done anything for anybody,' Wayne said told reporters. 'He would've gave the clothes off his back… I said, y'all got to push your asses for him. He would've done that for y'all. So, that's what I told them. I said, ''Y'all got homework to do, man. Read about him. Learn about him.'' Now the team's receivers coach, the 46-year-old Wayne remembered Irsay for his humanity by sharing a story about his own brief foray into free agency in 2012. Coming off a 2-14 season, Wayne expected to sign elsewhere and was already lining up trips to visit the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs. That's when he got a phone call. ''No, you're not taking that trip,'' Irsay told Wayne, as the former Super Bowl champion recalled with reporters on Wednesday. Now the team's receivers coach, the 46-year-old Wayne remembered Irsay for his humanity by sharing a story about his own brief foray into free agency in 2012 What followed was Irsay's passionate plea for Wayne to stay in Indianapolis, where he became one of the league's best receivers alongside Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Edgerrin James. Ultimately Wayne stuck around on a three-year, $17 million deal. 'You could've asked for $30 million,' Wayne remembered Irsay telling him. 'I would've gave it to you.'' Irsay would later add Wayne to the Colts' ring of honor. The 65-year-old billionaire passed away last week after months of health issues and years of battling drug and alcohol addiction. No other details about his death have been released. He was in charge when the Colts won the Super Bowl against the Chicago Bears with Manning at quarterback in 2007 and oversaw the construction of their Lucas Oil Stadium. In a devastating Instagram post, Manning said he was 'heartbroken' by the tragic news In a devastating Instagram post, Wayne's long-time teammate wrote: '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,' Manning continued. '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.' The Irsay family fortune comes from their heating and cooling (HVAC) empire, not to mention the Colts, a team Jim's late father bought in Baltimore in 1972 before famously moving the franchise to Indianapolis nine years later. According to The Athletic, the oldest of Irsay's three daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, is expected to assume principal ownership duties of the Colts. However, it's reported that Irsay preferred all three of his daughters, Carlie, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, would work together as co-owners.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Reggie Wayne has tearful message after Colts owner Jim Irsay's death
Reggie Wayne has tearful message after Colts owner Jim Irsay's death Show Caption Hide Caption Legendary Colts owner Jim Irsay dies Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died at 65. Members of the Indianapolis Colts organization are still grieving late owner Jim Irsay's death. On Wednesday, a tearful Reggie Wayne, former Colts receiver and current wide receivers coach for the team, talked to the media about Irsay's character and his impact on the team. "He would have did anything for anybody," he said. "He really gave the clothes off his back. "He cared about his players. He cared about his team. He cared about the city. And it wasn't just the players, he cared about people in the building. Like, he was that dude." Wayne also lamented that younger players didn't get the chance to know Irsay before his death. He said that he told the Colts' current receivers they have "homework:" reading and learning more about the late team owner. Wayne spent his entire 14-year playing career with the Colts and was a big part of the 2006 team that won Super Bowl 41. In 2018, a few years after his retirement, the former wideout worked as a voluntary receivers coach for Indianapolis. He was inducted into the team's Ring of Honor that same year. Four years later, in 2022, the team hired him as its full-time wide receivers coach. The Colts announced Wednesday that they will hold a private memorial service for Irsay on Monday, June 2. The team also plans to hold a more public service, which it will announce "at a later date." On Tuesday, the Colts announced plans to wear a jersey patch featuring Irsay's initials and signature throughout the 2025 season.
Indianapolis Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Kalen Irsay Jackson and Casey Foyt, daughters of Colts' Jim Irsay
Robert Scheer, Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports Casey Foyt, the daughter of late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, waves the green flag Sunday, May 25, 2025, during the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Michael Johnson/For IndyStar Carlie Irsay-Gordon and Casey Foyt, daughters of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, lock arms with Colts players during the national anthem before the Seattle Seahawks game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar For Casey Irsay Foyt (left) and Kalen Irsay, Indianapolis Colts vice chair/owner, football is a family affair. Here, they show off Colts henleys on the team's Pinterest page. Photo Provided By The NFL Casey Coyle Irsay, 25, goofs off with her father, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, for a picture at the Colts Complex on W. 56th Street on Thursday, September 25, 2008. She is a vice president with the Colts and is being groomed by her father for a bigger role with the organization. (Charlie Nye / The Star). Charlie Nye Indianapolis Star Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Indianapolis Colts vice chair/owner, appears on behalf of the Colts during a ceremony at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 13, 2014. Gov. Mike Pence thanked the Colts for their part in a handout in 2013 of Colts game tickets to military families by Meijer, the Michigan-based grocery chain. Irsay-Gordon, the oldest daughter of owner Jim Irsay, is running the team in his absence while he undergoes inpatient treatment following his arrest Sunday night, March 16 by Carmel Police on preliminary charges of driving while intoxicated and four felony counts of possession of a controlled substance. Charlie Nye/The Star Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, Luck's wife Nicole Pechanec, Kalen Irsay Jackson and head coach Frank Reich listen and watch as Andrew Luck announces his retirement following their preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Aug 24, 2019. Luck Retires Matt Kryger/IndyStar, Matt Kryger/IndyStar Via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Indianapolis Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
The Jim Irsay Collection in all its glory
Jim Irsay holds the Fender Stratocaster guitar that Bob Dylan played at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. Photo taken on June 10, 2014. Michelle Pemberton, IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK Ringo Star's 1963 Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl Downbeat Drum Kit is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Colts owner Jim Irsay displayed four of his historic guitars at Fountain Square Theatre. Seen in the case are instruments once owned by Bob Dylan, George Harrison, John Lennon and Elvis Presley. Melodie Yvonne Ramey/For IndyStar Guitars from the who's who of music are on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Here, a guest photographs Bob Dylan's 1964 Fender Stratocaster known as the "Dylan Goes Electric" guitar, from the 1965 Newport Folk Festival where he controversially "went electric" for the first time Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Jerry Garcia's 1979 Doug Irwin "Tiger" commissioned in 1963 and used on their hit "Touch of Gray" is on display during The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The guitar took 6yrs to build. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Guitars from the who's who of music are on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Jim Irsay plays the Jerry Garcia "Tiger" guitar at the Indiana State Museum in December 2011. The Colts CEO owns 175 historic guitars. Frank Espich /The Star Christopher McKinney, caretaker of Jim Irsay's guitars, plays a 1939 Martin D-45 guitar at Colts headquarters in November 2013. Frank Espich/The Star The Vox "Kensington" prototype boasts buttons labeled "treble," "bass," "top boost," 'mid boost," "fuzz" and "repeat." Jim Irsay owns the guitar built for the Beatles in 1966. Frank Espich / The Star John Lennon gave the Vox "Kensington" guitar to electronics engineer Alex Mardas in 1967. An engraved plate on the back of the guitar reads "To Magic Alex. Alexi thank you for been a friend." Jim Irsay owns the guitar built for the Beatles in 1966. Frank Espich / The Star A "J. Garcia" nameplate is seen on the "Tiger" guitar owned by Jim Irsay. Frank Espich / The Star Jim Irsay owns this elaborately decorated Martin D-100 guitar, displayed during summer 2013 at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Frank Espich / The Star Frank Espich / The Star Elton John's Steinway Model D Grand Piano is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar An autographed car which once belonged to Edgerrin James is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar The Jim Irsay Collection has one of the greatest guitar collections on the planet, according to Guitar Magazine. Courtesy Of The Jim Irsay Collection Kurt Cobain's 1969 Fender Mustang used on "Smells Like Teen Sprit" in 1991, is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar John Lennon's 1964 Rickenbacker, AKA "the Beatle Backer" after it appeared in a Rose Morris advertising campaign, is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar James Brown's 1970's custom made boots are on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Pictured here, Jim Irsay playing the Martin guitar that was a gift from freind, Singer songwrighter Stephen Stills. For a Cathy Kightlinger story on The Irsay Collection exhibit at the Indiana State Museum (Winter 2011-2012). Frank Espich/The Star Frank Espich Indianapolis Star David Gilmour's 1969 C.F. Martin & Co. D-35, best known from the opening of "Wish You Were Here" is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar The Super Bowl XLI Trophy is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Muhammad Ali's WBC Heavyweight Championship Belt from the 1970s on display with the Jim Irsay Collection. Courtesy Of The Jim Irsay Collection The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar George Harrison's 1963 Maton Mastersound MS-500 guitar guitar used during Aug. 3, 1963 Cavern Club appearance is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Jim Morrison's 1968 gold microphone on display during The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar The original first draft 1951 typescript scroll of "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac, on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Bob Dylan's 1964 Fender Stratocaster, known as the "Dylan Goes Electric" guitar from the 1965 Newport Folk Festival where he controversially "went electric" for the first time, on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Muhammad Ali's robe and 1975 boxing shoes are on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The robe was worn the for the fighters first appearance under the name Muhammad Ali'. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Guitars from the who's who of music are on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Jerry Garcia's 1979 Doug Irwin "Tiger" commissioned in 1963 and used on their hit "Touch of Gray" is on display during The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The guitar took 6yrs to build. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Gonzo Journalist Hunter S. Thompson's "Red Shark" 1973 Chevrolet Caprice Convertible is on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar John Lennon's Sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith, 1966, are on display during the The Jim Irsay Collection exhibition, featuring a performance by The Jim Irsay Band, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar When he's not busy with his 'day job' as the owner and CEO of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay is pursuing his passion for rock music history, American history, and pop culture by adding to the Jim Irsay Collection. Courtesy Of The Jim Irsay Collection
