The Indianapolis Colts suffered a crushing loss on Wednesday night, as Jim Irsay, who has served in an executive role with the team since 1984 and owned the team since 1997 after inheriting it from his father Robert Irsay, passed away at the age of 65.
Tributes started pouring in from Colts legends who thrived under Irsay's ownership, including Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning and former punter/current talking head Pat McAfee. Perhaps the most emotional post came from wide receiver T.Y. Hilton.
Hilton told his followers that he is not OK after Irsay's passing, saying that he "will forever hold our talks close to my heart" before wishing that Irsay rest in peace. This sentiment will assuredly be shared by many of the players who grew very close to Irsay over the years.
Irsay was a one-of-a-kind owner, as his ability to steward great teams and foster a winning culture in a league that is making it harder than ever to sustain a high level of play on the field was almost unparalleled.
Colts great T.Y. Hilton pays tribute to late owner Jim Irsay
Irsay began his time with the Colts in a leadership role in 1984 after the team's stunning move out of Baltimore. Irsay was named general manager at just 24 years old, making him the youngest ever to hold that position and setting a record that will never be broken. Irsay made the playoffs three times in 12 seasons before moving into an ownership role in 1997.
Under Irsay's ownership, Indianapolis' 258 wins rank in the top five among all NFL franchises. Irsay led this team to 18 playoff appearances, 10 division titles, two Super Bowl appearances, and a victory in Super Bowl XLI. On the field, Irsay was able to consistently oversee a winner.
Even though Irsay had some struggles with substance abuse over the course of his life, no one can question his passion for football, his desire to see the Colts win every single year, and his ability to put the right people in positions of power to realize that dream. Hilton can attest to that.
Hilton is one of many legendary Colts who are mourning the loss of an owner they came to know as a friend, which is exceedingly rare in modern sports. The Colts will never be the same after this, as they lost someone with a style that can never truly be copied.