What health problems did Jim Irsay have? All we know as Colts owner dies at 65

The Indianapolis Colts owner, Jim Irsay, passed away at 65, ESPN reported on Wednesday, May 22, 2025. The team announced the death by releasing an official statement.

Here’s an excerpt from the Colts’ statement,

“We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon. 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.”

While the statement didn’t reveal the cause of death, Jim Irsay had a longstanding battle with addiction in the past. In 2014, after being charged with DWI and possession of a controlled substance, the Colts owner checked into rehab, per the New York Post. A statement from the team’s spokesperson had confirmed:

[Irsay had] “voluntarily checked into a highly-respected health care facility.”

Bob Kravitz, who wrote for The Indianapolis Star at the time, highlighted Jim’s struggles with drug use. The sports columnist noted that Irsay’s friends were hoping to get help and also mentioned his significant weight loss from “235 pounds to 165.”

Jim Irsay had faced multiple health issues in recent years

The Indianapolis Colts owner had faced respiratory problems, mobility issues, alleged overdose, and other health concerns over the past few years. According to Fox59, in a November 2023 interview with Andrea Kremer for HBO’s Real Sports, Jim Irsay opened up about getting admitted to rehab 15 times and getting overdosed once. He recounted,

“I was trying to detox myself and I mixed multiple drugs that I didn't know anything about and so all of a sudden I started slurring my words and then code blue, I stopped breathing." He added: "And they revived me, and the doctor goes, 'Jim, you're one lucky man because I had signed, virtually, the death certificate.'”

In December that year, Jim was found unresponsive at his home in Carmel, TMZ reported. At the time, Irsay was given one dosage of Narcan, a drug often used in situations related to overdose. Later, Colts revealed in a statement that the owner was suffering from a respiratory illness. The businessman reduced his public appearances after the incident, and last year in July, Fox59 reported about the mobility challenges he was facing after surgeries.

Earlier this year, Jim Irsay was seen being wheeled out at a game. Per Daily Mail, the Colts owner used StairSteady, a device that typically assists “patients without power in their legs.”

Tributes pour in after Jim Irsay passes away

The unexpected demise of the Colts owner/CEO shocked many on the internet. Many sent their condolences to the Irsay’s family as they paid their final respects to the businessman.

“Eventhough we’re rival.. still sending my condolences to the Colts organization and fans 💯. RIP Jim Irsay,” a user wrote.

“Despite my hate for the colts....I have a heart for devastation and loss....RIP to Jim and praying for his family,” another user commented.

“I am so sorry for this news. Sorry for the Colts fans & organization & the family & friends. Very sad,” someone replied.

“RIP, Jim. Condolences to his family, friends, and Colts fans,” another one added.

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Peyton Manning, JJ Watt, Pat McAfee, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Indiana Pacers, NFL, and many more were among those who paid tribute to the late Colts owner. Irsay was seemingly active on X hours before his death and even posted in favor of the Pacers ahead of their game against the Knicks. His last post garnered much attention on X following his demise and the Pacers' win.

Jim Irsay is survived by his ex-wife, three daughters, and 10 grandchildren, per ESPN.

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