The Indianapolis Colts suffered a heartbreaking loss after longtime owner Jim Irsay died unexpectedly at the age of 65, shocking not only the team, but the entire league and Indianapolis sports community. Heartfelt tributes quickly began pouring in from Colts nation, as those who knew Irsay celebrated his incredible life, which included remarkable kindness and generosity.
Many former players and coaches have been openly emotional about the loss, from Reggie Wayne and Peyton Manning, to Tony Dungy and Shane Steichen. And the team has already made it clear that they will continue honoring Irsay throughout the 2025 season; every player's jersey will have a black patch with Irsay's initials - "J.I." - along with his signature, including the smiley face he added to every autograph, and has seven grommets, as seen on the Colts' iconic horseshoe logo.
Fans have likewise made sure to show their respect; Irsay was well known for his passionate mental health advocacy, and created the Kicking The Stigma foundation to help improve mental health awareness and treatment. In the weeks following his death, fans have responded by donating over $225,000 to the foundation in his honor. Touchingly, donations also came in from fans of other teams, like the Bills Mafia and Commanders fans.
Week 1 just got more special. #ThankYouJimIrsay pic.twitter.com/wCJdFi9bpo
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 13, 2025
But that's not the only way Irsay is continuing to be honored; the Colts have announced that Irsay will be added to the team's Ring of Honor during Week 1 of the upcoming season.
"There was no bigger advocate for the Colts, the NFL, the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana than our dad, Jim Irsay," his daughter, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, who took his place as CEO, said. "It's only fitting that he now joins the other amazing Colts legends in our Ring of Honor who contributed so much to our franchise and our community over the past four decades."
Previously added to the Ring of Honor in 1996 was Irsay-Gordon's grandfather, Robert Irsay, who owned the team until his death.