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The world of sports has shaking death Wednesday by Jim Ilsai, owner of the legendary Indianapolis Colts.
The news was hit particularly hard for many former Irsay Colts players, including the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Payton Manning.
Manning, who played his first 13 seasons with the Colts and won the Super Bowl in the 2006 season, shared his respect for Irsay in an Instagram post Wednesday night.
“I am heartbroken to hear of Jim Ilsai’s passing. He is an incredibly generous and passionate owner and I always thank him for giving me my start in the NFL. I wrote.
Many of Manning’s old Indianapolis teammates expressed their sadness.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Payton Manning, #10, is calling out at the line of scrimmage during the AFC wildcard game in the NFL football playoffs with the Indianapolis New York Jets. (AP)
Former Colts punter and current ESPN host Pat McAfee shared a lengthy story in Wednesday’s X post, detailing his experiences with Irsay throughout his punter’s career.
“After the lockout in 2011, he and I were actually at training camp, where players and front office were not allowed to communicate with each other during the lockout, but Jim followed me on Twitter on negotiations for the CBA, the first day at training camp, and the lockout ended. World,” McAfee wrote.
McAfee praised Irsay for helping punters succeed in his post-NFL career.
“When I decided to retire, he and I had a 2.5 hour conversation in his office. He was sitting at his desk. He vapes and bumped into the s. And we talked about everything I wanted to go. He tried to stop me.
“Jim did everything he could to help me succeed. He attended our show wherever I was in the world, whenever I asked.
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Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Ilsai speaks to fans on November 18, 2018 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis at Reggie Wayne’s guide. (Andy Lions/Getty Images)
Legendary NFL kicker Adam Viniatieri expressed his sadness to Irsay in the X-Post. Viniatieri solidified his legacy by helping New England patriots win three Super Bowls from 2001 to 2005, often defeating the Colts on the way there. However, when Irsay’s team signed the kicker in 2006, Viniatieri sent the Colts into the Super Bowl by kicking the game-winning field goal against the Patriots in that year’s AFC Championship Game.
“I am heartbroken to hear of Jim Ilsai’s passing. He is not just an owner, he is a man of men, and his generosity was unparalleled. I am always grateful for the opportunity to play under his leadership and for impacting my life.
Former Colts star wide receiver Ty Hilton, who played for Irsay’s team from 2012 to 2021 and made four Pro Bowls, shared his love for Irsay in an X post on Wednesday night.
“Don’t ask if I’m okay. I’m not. Thank you, Arsei.
Several other current and former professional athletes also paid tribute to social media owners, including Robert Griffin III, former legendary Colts Wide receiver Marvin Harrison and son of Marvin Harrison Jr.
Irsay’s father I bought a team In 1972 they still played for Baltimore for $12 million and moved the team in 1984. Irsay was the team’s general manager from 1982 to 1996, and at the age of 37, he became the youngest owner of the NFL.
Irsay has had several health issues over the years, fighting drug and alcohol addiction.
In January 2024, the Colts announced that Irsay was undergoing treatment for “severe respiratory illness.” That February he posted to X that he was “About Mend”
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Payton Manning, #18, left, and owner Jim Ilsai won after beating the New York Jets on January 24, 2010 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Al Tielemans /Sports Illustrated /Getty Images)
“It’s a long way and you have to be patient. The great news is that everything’s going well,” Irsay said in hospital. That March said After he was treated with his right leg.
Irsay said he had “26 surgeries in the last seven years” at the time.
During his tenure in carrying out the organization’s day-to-day duties, Irsay won 258 games. He also won 10 division titles, went 1-1 in the Super Bowl, making 18 playoffs.
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He is survived by three daughters and ten grandchildren. He and his ex-wife divorced in 2013.
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