Peyton Manning, Pat McAfee, NFL player mourn the death of the legendary owner Jim Irsay

The sports world was shaken on Wednesday by the death of the legendary Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.

The news was particularly hard for many former Colts players from Irsay, including the Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.

Manning, who played his first 13 seasons for the Colts and helped them win the Super Bowl in the 2006 season, Irsay said in an Instagram contribution on Wednesday evening.

“I heard of Jim Irsay's death with a broken heart. He was an incredibly generous and passionate owner, and I am always obliged to give me my start in the NFL. His love for the colts and the city of Indy, which Indy, wrote.

Many of Mannings Old Indianapoli's teammates also expressed their condolences.

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The former Colts Punter and the current ESPN presenter Pat McAfee told a long story in an X -Post on Wednesday, in which he described his experiences with Irsay throughout the entire career of the Punter.

“The first time that after the locking out in 2011, he really had an extended convo in the training camp. Players and Front Office were not allowed to communicate with each other during the lockout, but Jim followed me on Twitter during the CBA negotiations. Welt,” wrote McAfee.

McAfee even attributed Irsay for helping the tin to the NFL for his career.

“When I decided to withdraw … he and I had a 2.5-hour conversation in his office. He was sitting at his desk. He met the S — from his vape. And we talked about everything I had hoped. He tried to stop myself for a few minutes. Even even that McAfnoye when he played so much.

“Jim did everything he can to help me be successful.

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The legendary NFL kicker Adam Viniatieri expressed his condolences in an X -post in an X -post. Viniatieri consolidated his legacy by helping the New England Patriots to win three Super Bowls from 2001 to 2005, and often struck the Colts on the way there. However, when Irsay's team signed the Kicker in 2006, it made it impossible to change the assets of both teams when Viniatieri joined the game-winning field gate against the patriots in this year's AFC championship game to send the colts into the Super Bowl.

“I can be heard from the death of Jim Irsay 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 that he played under his leadership, and his effects on my life. Quiet in peace, Jim,” wrote Viniatieri.

Former Colts Star Wide Receiver Ty Hilton, who played for Irsay's team from 2012 to 2021 and made four Pro Bowls, divided his love for Irsay on a contribution on X.

“Please do not ask me if I am fine. Because I don't. Thank you very much that a lot of Mr.IRSAY. I will keep our conversations on my heart forever. I love you! Rip Mr.irsay,” wrote Hilton.

Several other current and former professional athletes have also paid the owner respect on social media, including Robert Griffin III and the son of the former legendary Colts recipient Marvin Harrison, Marvin Harrison Jr.

Irsay's father Bought the team 1972, when they played in Baltimore for $ 12 million and the team relocated in 1984. Irsay was General Manager of the team from 1982 to 1996 and became the youngest owner of the NFL at the age of 37 shortly after the death of his father in 1997.

Irsay had several health problems over the years and fought against drug and alcohol addiction when he admitted that he had been “at least 15 times” in rehab.

The Colts announced in January 2024 that Irsay was treated for a “severe respiratory disease”. In February he posted on X that he was “On the better.”

“It's a long way and you have to be patient. The good news is that everything is going well” said this March After he had undergone a procedure on his right leg.

At that time, Irsay said that he had subjected “26 operations” in the past seven years.

During his term, Irsay won 258 games, the fourth most frequently in the NFL during this period. He also won 10 division titles, went 1-1 in Super Bowls and made the playoffs 18 times.

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It is survived by three daughters and 10 grandchildren. He and his ex-wife were divorced in 2013.

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