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USA Today
5 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.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Jim Irsay jersey patch: How Colts will honor late owner during 2025 NFL season
The Indianapolis Colts are set to honor their late owner Jim Irsay by wearing a black jersey patch throughout the 2025 NFL season, the team announced Tuesday. The Colts' jersey patch contains several elements that will pay homage to Irsay. Those include the following, per the team's official website: Irsay's initials; Irsay's signature, which includes his "trademark smiley face;" Seven grommets, the same number adorning the Colts' horseshoe logo. JIM IRSAY DIES AT 65: Peyton Manning, Pat McAfee pay tribute to Colts owner Below is a look at the jersey patch, via Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. The Colts will wear a jersey patch honoring late owner Jim Irsay in is here: — Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) May 27, 2025 Irsay became the Colts owner in 1997 after winning a legal battle with his stepmother, Nancy, to inherit the team after his father Robert's death. Irsay became the NFL's youngest owner at age 37 and oversaw one of the franchise's most successful periods. The Colts' success under Irsay was sparked by Indianapolis' decision to select Peyton Manning with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. Manning helped turn the Colts into a perennial contender and guided them to a Super Bowl 41 win over the Chicago Bears. Away from the gridiron, Irsay spent time amassing one of the most impressive collections of music and pop culture memorabilia in the world and serving as the face of the Colts' "Kick the Stigma" campaign. In the latter role, he drew from his own experiences with substance abuse in the hopes of goal of helping people suffering from mental health issues. 'IT'S NOT A MORAL ISSUE': Remembering Jim Irsay's brave fight against addiction Irsay died in his sleep on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 21. He was 65 years old. No cause of death has been disclosed. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jim Irsay jersey patch: Colts to honor late owner during 2025 season
USA Today
7 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Jim Irsay jersey patch: How Colts will honor late owner during 2025 NFL season
Jim Irsay jersey patch: How Colts will honor late owner during 2025 NFL season Show Caption Hide Caption Legendary Colts owner Jim Irsay dies Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died at 65. The Indianapolis Colts are set to honor their late owner Jim Irsay by wearing a black jersey patch throughout the 2025 NFL season, the team announced Tuesday. The Colts' jersey patch contains several elements that will pay homage to Irsay. Those include the following, per the team's official website: Irsay's initials; Irsay's signature, which includes his "trademark smiley face;" Seven grommets, the same number adorning the Colts' horseshoe logo. JIM IRSAY DIES AT 65: Peyton Manning, Pat McAfee pay tribute to Colts owner Below is a look at the jersey patch, via Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. Irsay became the Colts owner in 1997 after winning a legal battle with his stepmother, Nancy, to inherit the team after his father Robert's death. Irsay became the NFL's youngest owner at age 37 and oversaw one of the franchise's most successful periods. The Colts' success under Irsay was sparked by Indianapolis' decision to select Peyton Manning with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. Manning helped turn the Colts into a perennial contender and guided them to a Super Bowl 41 win over the Chicago Bears. Away from the gridiron, Irsay spent time amassing one of the most impressive collections of music and pop culture memorabilia in the world and serving as the face of the Colts' "Kick the Stigma" campaign. In the latter role, he drew from his own experiences with substance abuse in the hopes of goal of helping people suffering from mental health issues. 'IT'S NOT A MORAL ISSUE': Remembering Jim Irsay's brave fight against addiction Irsay died in his sleep on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 21. He was 65 years old. No cause of death has been disclosed.
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Jim Irsay, longtime Colts owner, dies at 65
Jim Irsay, longtime Colts owner, dies at 65 Show Caption Hide Caption Legendary Colts owner Jim Irsay dies Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died at 65. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died. The team confirmed his death in a statement Wednesday evening. He was 65. 'We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon," Pete Ward, the team's chief operating officer, revealed. "Jim's dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed. Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them." Irsay dedicated most of his adult life to the Colts. After spending years around the team – his father, Robert Irsay, acquired the then-Baltimore Colts in 1972 – Jim Irsay worked in various capacities for the club, including as a ball boy, scout and in the personnel department. He became the organization's youngest general manager in 1984, the year of his father's controversial relocation of the franchise from Baltimore to Indianapolis. Jim Irsay became the Colts' controlling owner following his father's death in 1997. "Some of Jim's fondest memories came from his youth working training camps in Baltimore and growing relationships with players, coaches, and staff whom he considered his extended family," according to the team's statement. "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." Beloved for decades in Baltimore, the Colts didn't win much initially after moving to Indianapolis. Irsay made a momentous trade with the Los Angeles Rams for legendary running back Eric Dickerson during the 1987 season, but the Indianapolis Colts didn't win their first playoff game until 1995. But the franchise became a powerhouse at the turn of the century. Peyton Manning won a record five league MVP awards after the Colts picked him atop the 1998 NFL draft. Manning benefited greatly from the staff Irsay put around him, including general manager Bill Polian and head coach Tony Dungy. The Colts also selected a host of other future Hall of Famers, including wideout Marvin Harrison, running back Edgerrin James and defensive end Dwight Freeney. After years of coming up short in the playoffs to the dynastic New England Patriots, Manning and Co. finally broke through to win Super Bowl 41 following the 2006 season. Indianapolis played again on Super Sunday three years later but lost to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl 44. With Manning on the field, the Colts captured eight division titles and only missed the playoffs twice. NFL WORLD REACTS Peyton Manning, many others offer tributes to Jim Irsay However, the organization has largely struggled since, despite Irsay's aggressive attempts to restore it to glory. He made the decision to part with injured Manning in 2012 and draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck No. 1 overall that year to replace him. Manning would go on to lead the Denver Broncos to two Super Bowls, including a victory in Super Bowl 50 (his final game), while Luck's once-promising career was short-circuited by injuries that led to his surprise retirement shortly before the 2019 season. The Colts have not won a playoff game since. "We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay's passing today," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "Jim was a friend, and a man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts, and the Indianapolis community. "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 country. 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." Despite the Colts' up-and-down fortunes under Irsay, he had other notable successes during his tenure. After playing in the RCA Dome for years, the club moved into beautiful Lucas Oil Stadium in 2008. Indianapolis hosted Super Bowl 46 at the conclusion of the 2011 season and was widely acclaimed as the host city. Irsay also earned praise for his willingness to speak out against controversial Washington owner Daniel Snyder in 2022, sparking momentum that eventually led to Snyder's ouster. Irsay was a colorful character off the field, too. He was a power lifter as a young man. Later in life, he collected guitars, among other things, and fronted his own band – singing at events around Indianapolis. Irsay also battled substance abuse during his lifetime. He was arrested in 2014 amid suspicion of driving under the influence and drug possession. He eventually pleaded guilty to a pair of misdemeanors and was suspended by the NFL for six games and fined $500,000. In recent years he fronted the team's "Kick the Stigma" campaign in a bid to help people suffering from mental health issues. "Jim's generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state of Indiana and the country," read Ward's statement. "He made philanthropy a daily endeavor. He never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives. Music was one of Jim's passions and the ability to share his band and collection with millions of people across the world brought him tremendous joy. Simply put, he wanted to make the world a better place and that philosophy never wavered all the way up to his passing. Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit.' Irsay spent recent years grooming his daughters to take control of the Colts. Carlie Irsay ran the team while he was in rehabilitation in 2014. However no formal succession plan has yet been revealed. This story has been updated with new information. All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Bears chairman George McCaskey releases statement after Jim Irsay's death
Bears chairman George McCaskey releases statement after Jim Irsay's death Long-time Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay passed away at the age of 65, the team announced Wednesday. Irsay is a long-time member of the Colts, where he served as the team's vice president and general manager from 1984-1996 before taking over as owner following his father Robert Irsay's death in 1997. Indianapolis drafted Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning during Irsay's tenure, where he led the Colts to a world championship with a 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl 41 in 2006. Bears chairman George McCaskey released a statement following Irsay's passing, where he spoke with reverence about his friend. "Jim was a Chicago guy through and through, and spoke often about his pride in being connected to our great city," McCaskey wrote, via the Chicago Bears. "He was a gracious victory in Super Bowl XLI, and he was a great friend of the Bears. Our condolences to Carlie, Casey, Kalen and the entire Irsay family." Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Irsay family and the Indianapolis Colts. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
