Jim Irsay, the longtime leader of the Indianapolis Colts, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday at age 65. The organization released a statement honoring his lifelong dedication to football, charitable work, and his close-knit family.
Though the team did not reveal the exact cause of death, many reflected on Irsay’s well-known battle with addiction, which he had spoken about publicly over the years. In a 2023 interview on HBO’s Real Sports with Andrea Kremer, Irsay recounted a frightening overdose that nearly claimed his life, saying he had mixed various substances without understanding their effects and temporarily stopped breathing. He recalled a doctor telling him, “Jim, you’re one lucky man.” During the same conversation, he shared that he had gone through rehab more than 15 times.
Irsay’s issues with substance abuse came to public attention in 2014 when he was arrested for DUI and possession of prescription drugs. Police also discovered nearly $30,000 in cash in his vehicle. That moment marked a turning point. In a 2022 interview, he admitted, “My self-will was killing me,” referring to the need to relinquish control to begin his recovery journey.
While many have paid tribute to Irsay’s legacy in football and philanthropy, others have reignited discussions about substance abuse and accountability, particularly among influential figures in the sports world. Critics on social media have questioned whether society tends to overlook a public figure’s struggles or flaws after they pass, especially when wealth or status is involved.
“RIP Jim Irsay,” one user wrote. “But let’s not gloss over his serious battles with addiction. Are we ignoring that because of his ownership status?”
Irsay is survived by his three daughters—Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson—his former spouse, Meg Coyle, and ten grandchildren. His life was marked by notable highs and painful lows, both as an NFL executive and as someone who faced deep personal challenges with honesty.
His passing serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of mental health awareness and addiction support, highlighting the complexities of human experience behind the public persona of a major sports figure.