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One of the more publicly notable owners in the NFL has passed away. Indianapolis Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay died in his sleep on Wednesday afternoon.
Irsay was just 65. He had posted a good luck message on social media to the Indiana Pacers just hours earlier.
Irsay took over ownership of the Colts from his late father, Robert, back in 1997. He played college football at SMU and became the youngest GM in NFL history when he took over at just 24 years of age.
In a statement, Colts COO Pete Ward announced the unexpected passing.
“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon."
The statement continued,
"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."
While no formal succession plan is known, Irsay had been preparing his daughters to take over the Colts, including having his daughter Carlie run the team while he was away in 2014. They would join Lions owner Sheila Hamp as female owners taking over the franchise from multiple generations of family ownership.
Irsay was a truly unique owner and he will be missed. Our condolences to those who knew and loved him.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Longtime Colts owner Jim Irsay passes away at 65
Continue reading...
Irsay was just 65. He had posted a good luck message on social media to the Indiana Pacers just hours earlier.
Irsay took over ownership of the Colts from his late father, Robert, back in 1997. He played college football at SMU and became the youngest GM in NFL history when he took over at just 24 years of age.
In a statement, Colts COO Pete Ward announced the unexpected passing.
“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon."
The statement continued,
"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."
While no formal succession plan is known, Irsay had been preparing his daughters to take over the Colts, including having his daughter Carlie run the team while he was away in 2014. They would join Lions owner Sheila Hamp as female owners taking over the franchise from multiple generations of family ownership.
Irsay was a truly unique owner and he will be missed. Our condolences to those who knew and loved him.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Longtime Colts owner Jim Irsay passes away at 65
Continue reading...
