INDIANAPOLIS (Diya TV) — Jim Irsay, the longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, the team announced. He was 65.

A fixture in the NFL and a prominent figure in Indianapolis sports and civic life, Irsay had been involved with the Colts since 1972, when his father, Robert Irsay, purchased the franchise. Over the next five decades, Irsay rose through the organization, becoming the youngest general manager in NFL history at age 24. He assumed full ownership in 1997 following his father’s death and helped guide the Colts to one of their most successful eras, including a Super Bowl XLI championship in 2006.

“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,” the Colts said in a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. “Jim’s dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts, his generosity, and his love for his family were unsurpassed.”

Irsay’s three daughters—Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson—survive him and have played active roles within the franchise.

The team did not disclose the cause of death. However, Irsay had battled a range of health issues in recent years, including a severe respiratory illness, numerous orthopedic surgeries, and a long history of addiction. In December 2023, he was found unresponsive at his Carmel, Indiana, home. According to a police report obtained by TMZ, he exhibited agonal breathing and was administered Narcan, typically used in opioid overdoses. The Colts, at the time, described the episode as a “severe respiratory illness” and requested privacy.

Irsay was candid about his struggles with substance abuse. In a 2023 interview with HBO’s Real Sports, he revealed he had entered rehab at least 15 times and previously experienced a near-fatal overdose. In 2014, police arrested him for driving under the influence, with multiple prescription drugs in his system. Despite public setbacks, he emerged as an outspoken advocate for mental health and addiction recovery, once purchasing the founding manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous to help destigmatize addiction.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell remembered Irsay as a “friend” and a leader who “led with integrity, passion, and care for the Colts’ players, coaches, and staff.” Goodell also praised Irsay’s work in mental health awareness and his love for history, music, and culture.

Outside football, Irsay curated one of the most eclectic and valuable collections of cultural artifacts in the country. His “Irsay Collection” included historic items such as Jack Kerouac’s original scroll manuscript of On the Road, Muhammad Ali’s boots from the “Thrilla in Manila,” the volleyball “Wilson” from Cast Away, and handwritten letters from U.S. presidents including Lincoln and Jefferson.

He often toured the country with his collection and performed live music with his band at public exhibitions, showcasing both his passion for music and his desire to connect with fans beyond the football field.

Among those mourning his loss is Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who spent 13 seasons with the Colts and led the team to two Super Bowl appearances under Irsay’s leadership.

“I’m heartbroken,” Manning said in a statement. “He was an incredibly generous and passionate owner, and I will always be indebted to him for giving me my start in the NFL. His love for the Colts and the city of Indy was unmatched.”

Jim Irsay’s legacy includes 10 division championships, two AFC titles, and a deep impact on Indianapolis’ identity as a football city. He remained engaged with the sports community to the end, tweeting support for the Indiana Pacers just hours before his death.

The Colts are set to open the 2025 NFL regular season at home against the Miami Dolphins on September 7.