The passing of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has saddened the football world, especially those that used to work with him.
Stanford general manager Andrew Luck and interim head coach Frank Reich, both of whom shared defining moments of their careers under Irsay’s leadership, offered emotional tributes following the announcement of his death on Tuesday. He was 65.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Irsay,” Luck said in a statement. “Jim loved the Colts with his whole heart, and his passion for football and his franchise was unwavering. I will always be grateful for the support he showed me and the team during my time in Indianapolis. He cared deeply for the players, the fans, and the entire Colts organization. My thoughts are with his family and all who were close with him.”
Luck, who was drafted No. 1 overall by the Colts in 2012 and played six seasons in Indianapolis, is now entering his first year in a leadership role at Stanford. He was hired as general manager of the Cardinal football program in November. Following the spring departure of former head coach Troy Taylor, Luck brought in Reich to serve as Stanford’s interim head coach for the 2025 season.
Reich, who spent multiple stints with the Colts organization — including as the team’s head coach from 2018 to 2022 — shared a similarly heartfelt message upon learning of Irsay’s passing.
“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Indianapolis Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay,” Reich said. “Mr. Irsay had the rare combination of being a fierce competitor while at the same time having immense compassion for those who were hurting and suffering. His passion for the game and the city of Indianapolis shaped my experience with the Colts and I could not be more grateful for the partnership he and I shared.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“My thoughts and prayers are with his daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and the entire Irsay family during this time.”
General Manager Andrew Luck and Interim Head Coach Frank Reich remember their former colleague and friend, Jim Irsay. https://t.co/7xS7C93Y0w pic.twitter.com/oeQc4alI5S
— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) May 22, 2025
Irsay, who assumed full ownership of the Colts in 1997 after the passing of his father, Robert Irsay, helped usher in one of the franchise’s most successful eras. His time as owner included the drafting of Peyton Manning, a Super Bowl title in 2006, and later, the post-Manning transition led by Luck. Throughout it all, Irsay remained deeply involved in team operations, philanthropy, and his community in Indianapolis.
His legacy now lives on through the players, coaches, and staff he supported — many of whom, like Luck and Reich, continue to carry his influence into new chapters of their football journeys.