Former Indianapolis Colts players, trainers react to Jim Irsay's death

The Indianapolis Colts and the NFL community showed support from Colts owner Jim Irsay after the death on Wednesday.

In a statement, the Colts said that Irsay died peacefully in her sleep. He was 65 years old.

Irsay began in 1972 as a ball boy for the Colts when his father, Robert Irsay, bought the team and was back then in Baltimore. From then on, the younger Irsay was connected to the horseshoe and became general manager (the youngest of the league at the age of 24) in 1984 and took over after the death of his father in 1997 (also the youngest of the league at the age of 37).

He quickly became known for his honest personality and his contributions to the Colts, NFL and Indianapolis Community. At Irsay as the owner, the Colts had a profit of 0.570 profit, which was sixth in the NFL during this time, and the team won Super Bowl XLI in January 2007.

“Jim is deeply missed by his family, Colts organization and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit,” says the Colts's statement.

Here is what a few prominent former players, colleagues from Irsay published in response to his death:

Peyton Manning: Pro Football Hall of Fame Quarterback, Super Bowl XLI Champion with the Colts, five times NFL MVP, 14-time Pro-Bowler, with Indianapolis from 1998-2011

Peyton Manning at the death of Jim Irsay pic.twitter.com/9cfyfhafi5

– Yahoo Sports (@Yahoosports) May 22, 2025

Andrew Glück: Selected by the Colts in the NFL design 2012, the record holder of the league for most yards in a rookie season (4,374), four-time Pro-Bowler over seven seasons in Indy, Pro Football Hall of Fam

General Manager Andrew Luck and Interim head coach Frank Reich remember their former colleague and friend Jim Irsay. pic.twitter.com/oeqc4ali5s

– Stanford Football (@stanfordfball) May 22, 2025

Tony Dungy: Colt's head coach from 2002 to 2008 during the Super Bowl XLI victory, Pro Football Hall of Fame member

When I got the news last night that Jim Irsay died in her sleep, it was devastating to me. The Bible says in many places that it will not be promised tomorrow, but I was not ready for it.
Jim was one of the friendliest and 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 to 2001 to franchise history in the career in the career reception sheep (14,345) behind Marvin Harrison, a six-time pro-bowler and Super Bowl XLI champion,

That hurts my soul …

– Reggie Wayne (@reggiewayne_17) May 21, 2025

Jonathan Taylor: Current colts, franchise record holder in single season rush yards (1,811) and rushing touchdowns (18)

💙🕊️

– Jonathan Taylor (@Jayt23) May 22, 2025

Adam Vinatieri: Colts Placekicker from 2006-19 holds the NFL record for most consecutive field goals with 44 and won his fourth Super Bowl with the Colts after three with New England

I can hear about Jim Irsay's death with a broken heart. He was more than just an owner, he as a man of the people and his generosity was unsurpassed. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have played under his leadership and its effects on my life. Rest in peace, Jim. pic.twitter.com/fvxlmh9pzt

– Adam Vinatieri (@adamvinatieri) May 22, 2025

Ty Hilton: Four times per bowl receiver with the Colts

Please don't ask me if I am fine. Because I don't. Thank you so much Mr.IRSAY. I will have our conversations on my heart forever. 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 moderator of ESPN's “The Pat McAfee Show” and “College Gameday” Alalyst

That is devastating ..

Jim had friendships with many of his former players. I was lucky enough to be one of them.

It was an honor to play for a team that Mr. Irsay headed. He was funny, brilliant, unique and somehow still wild for a man who became the only owner of an NFL team … pic.twitter.com/svot49ne3d

– Pat McAfee (@Patmcafeshow) May 22, 2025

Ryan Kelly: Colt's first round in 2016, four times per bowl center, with Colts from 2016-24

Rip Jim 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/fcozzffzkx

– Ryan Kelly (@ryan_kelly70) May 22, 2025

Matt overton: Started the NFL career as a non-dragged free agent at the Colts, Pro Bowl Long Snapper 2013, played in Indy from 2012-16

Heartbreaking.

Mr. Irsay was a friendly, loving and gave Indy so much. His passion for the colts and the game was always obvious. Forever grateful to him and the honor of wearing the horseshoe. God bless you boss man, the Irsay family and all the Colts nation.

– Matt overton (@mattoverton_ls) May 21, 2025

Chuck Pagano: COLTS head coach from 2012-17 led the team in 2013 and 2014 to two South titles from AFC South

I am broken with the death of Jim Irsay. Nobody loved his family, his team and his community more than Jim !! He gave me the opportunity to live and helped me in my darkest hour! His generosity and friendliness are unsurpassed. I am grateful forever. I love you, boss💙💙rip pic.twitter.com/jbgarmx2aj

– Chuck Pagano (@chuckpaganonfl) May 22, 2025

Brian Balditioner: Colt's offensive lineman from 1988-91

.@Colts I loved wearing the horseshoe. Rip jim irsay we ❤️ u

– Brian Baldinger (@Balylfl) May 22, 2025

Darius Butler: Colts defensively back from 2012-17

A spacious man who loved his family, community and football team.

Jim Irsay is really missing. 🖤🕊️

– Darius Butler (@Dariusjbutler) May 21, 2025

Marvin Harrison Jr.: Son of Colts Great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, current recipient at the Arizona Cardinals

Rip mr. Irsay🙏🏾

– Marvin Harrison Jr. (@Marvharrisonjr) May 22, 2025

Kenny Moore II: Current Colts Cornerback, 2021 per bowler

Think of the Irsay family during this period of loss. I will remember the great leader you were and the spirit you kept. Say hello to my father 🙏🏾

– Kenny Moore II (@kennykennymoe3) May 22, 2025

Deforst Buckner: Current defensive stackle Colts, three-time Pro-Bowler

🙏🏾🕊️

– Deforest Buckner (@deforestbuckner) May 21, 2025

(Photo by Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay: Bobby Ellis / Getty Images)