Jim Irsay , the longtime owner of the Indianapolis Colts , passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 21, 2025, at the age of 65. His final social media post, a heartfelt message supporting the Indiana Pacers , has since gone viral, resonating deeply with fans and the Indianapolis community.
In his last tweet, Irsay wrote: "Go PACERS. Good luck to Herb, the entire @Pacers organization, and our city!" This message, posted just hours before his death, showcased his unwavering support for local sports and his deep connection to Indianapolis.
Irsay's sudden passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes from the NFL community, Colts players, and fans alike. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised Irsay's contributions to the league and his commitment to mental health advocacy. Former Colts cornerback Darius Butler remembered him as "a generous man that LOVED his Family, Community, and Football team."
"I’m so confused man, was he in the hospital or something already dealing with something? The man tweeted 7 hours ago.. RIP," writes one user on X.
"Rest in peace Jim. This man loved the @Colts and did a lot of great things around the city of Indianapolis. Bringing up his addiction issues to make yourself feel better is loser behavior. The guy had a huge heart and wanted his team to win more than anyone..," writes another.
"So sorry to read of your passing -appreciate the X friendship and the comments you left in appreciation of vintage Hollywood glamour. Fly high!," wrote another user.
Go PACERS. Good luck to Herb, the entire @Pacers organization, and our city! 💪❤️
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) May 21, 2025
Beyond his role with the Colts, Irsay was known for his philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of the Kicking the Stigma Foundation to combat mental health stigma. His passion for music and collecting historical artifacts further highlighted his multifaceted personality.
Born on June 13, 1959, Jim Irsay grew up around football and eventually took the reins from his father, Robert Irsay, in 1997. Since then, he’s been the driving force behind the team’s biggest successes—most notably the 2007 Super Bowl win with Peyton Manning leading the charge. But Irsay wasn’t your typical NFL owner. He got a wild side, a love for Twitter rants, and a personality that keeps fans guessing. When he’s not managing the Colts, he was diving deep into his other passion—music. Irsay owned one of the most impressive collections of rock memorabilia, featuring guitars from legends like Prince, Bob Dylan, and Jerry Garcia. He even took the show on the road, literally, by touring his collection for fans. He battled addiction and made headlines with a 2014 arrest involving prescription drugs. But since then, he’s been open about his recovery and has become a strong advocate for mental health awareness.
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