Jim Irsay cause of death: Inside the health issues the Colts owner struggled with

Jim Irsay, the longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, passed away on May 21, 2025, at the age of 65. His death marked the end of a significant era in the NFL, as Irsay had been a prominent figure in the league for decades.

Jim Irsay is survived by his three daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson, who have been involved in the team's operations.

The Colts said in a statement on X, “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. Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them.”

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— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 21, 2025

According to the Colts' official statement, Irsay passed away peacefully in his sleep. Although the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, Irsay had been dealing with various health issues in recent years.


Take a look.


Health struggles and addiction

Despite his professional accomplishments, Irsay faced personal challenges, particularly with substance abuse. He openly discussed his struggles with addiction, crediting Alcoholics Anonymous for aiding his recovery. In 2014, he was arrested for driving under the influence and drug possession, leading to a six-game suspension and a $500,000 fine by the NFL.

In late 2023, Irsay experienced a severe respiratory illness that led to hospitalization.


According to TMZ, police in Indiana's Carmel found Jim Irsay unresponsive at his home, showing signs of agonal breathing, a bluish complexion, and a faint pulse. Officers reportedly administered Narcan, a medication used to counteract opioid overdoses, to which he showed a slight response before being hospitalised. The incident was officially classified as a suspected overdose, although the specific substances involved were redacted, according to ESPN. The exact cause of this incident was not publicly disclosed, but it highlighted ongoing health concerns.

In early 2024, the Colts described the incident as a “severe respiratory illness” and requested privacy for Irsay and his family. Despite several reports, Irsay later denied that it was an overdose, instead attributing the episode to complications from a leg injury that had resulted in a hematoma and required surgery.


Battling addiction and mental health:

Although the whole world has predominantly known Irsay for his contribution to football, he was known for his philanthropy and advocacy, particularly in the areas of mental health and addiction.


In 2020, he launched the "Kicking the Stigma" campaign, which has since donated over $25 million to mental health organizations. His efforts were directed to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and provide support for those affected.


Born into a football legacy, Irsay began his journey with the Colts as a teenager under the ownership of his father, Robert Irsay, who acquired the team in 1972. By 1984, Jim became the NFL’s youngest general manager at the age of 24.

He assumed full control of the Colts in 1997 after a legal battle following his father's death. Under his leadership, the team achieved significant success, including a Super Bowl victory in the 2006 season. Irsay's passing marks the end of an era for the Indianapolis Colts and the NFL.


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