Colts to Immortalize Jim Irsay in Ring of Honor at Emotional Season Opener

Colts to Immortalize Jim Irsay in Ring of Honor at Emotional Season Opener

As the Indianapolis Colts prepare for a new NFL season filled with hope, strategy, and competition, they’ll also pause to honor a man whose impact on the franchise and the city transcended football. Jim Irsay, the longtime owner and guiding force behind the team, will be inducted into the Colts’ Ring of Honor during the home opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 7, 2025.

This tribute, announced on what would have been Irsay’s 66th birthday, comes less than a month after his death on May 21. Though his voice will no longer echo through the locker rooms or press conferences, his legacy will now echo permanently from the rafters at Lucas Oil Stadium, where his name will stand beside the franchise’s greatest legends.

A Family Decision with Deep Meaning

The announcement was made jointly by Irsay’s daughters, who now share ownership and leadership of the team: Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson. Their statement reflected the depth of their father’s passion and vision for the organization and the region.

“There was no bigger advocate for the Colts, the NFL, the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana than our dad, Jim Irsay,” the sisters wrote. “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.”

While the franchise has honored great players, coaches, and contributors in its history, this marks a deeply personal and emotional milestone for the team. It’s more than a celebration of a career—it’s a farewell to a man whose heart beat blue and white.

A Legacy Built on Passion and Purpose

Jim Irsay took over the Colts in 1997 after the death of his father, Robert Irsay. At just 37 years old, he became the youngest NFL owner at the time. It was not an easy mantle to inherit, but Jim stepped into the role with courage, commitment, and an open heart.

The Colts were entering a pivotal time in their history. The team had moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984 under Robert Irsay’s leadership, and fans were eager to see their local franchise succeed. Jim brought a fresh energy to the organization. His stewardship saw the team evolve from perennial underdogs into Super Bowl champions.

Under Irsay’s ownership, the Colts became one of the most consistent and competitive teams in the NFL during the 2000s. With quarterback Peyton Manning leading the charge and head coach Tony Dungy providing steady guidance, Indianapolis won Super Bowl XLI in the 2006 season and made another appearance in the big game three years later.

Beyond the championship banners, Irsay’s tenure included 10 division titles and two AFC championships. But perhaps more importantly, he helped cement the Colts as a source of civic pride for the people of Indiana.

A Leader Beyond the Field

While his football résumé was impressive, Jim Irsay’s influence extended well beyond the game. He was known as a charismatic figure with a deep love for music, philanthropy, mental health advocacy, and the arts. His eclectic and heartfelt passions made him unique among NFL owners.

Irsay invested heavily in the Indianapolis community and consistently used his platform to speak out on issues ranging from addiction recovery—something he battled personally—to charitable giving and cultural preservation. His famous collection of historic rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, including guitars from legends like Jimi Hendrix and Beatles manuscripts, wasn’t just for personal enjoyment. He frequently loaned them out for public exhibitions and benefit events, emphasizing education and inspiration.

Jim wasn’t a buttoned-up executive; he was a dreamer, an artist at heart, and a humanitarian in practice. His approach to leadership was fueled by emotion, loyalty, and a sincere desire to connect with people.

Keeping It In the Family

One of Jim Irsay’s most lasting decisions was grooming his daughters to carry on the family legacy. Over the years, he introduced them to every facet of team operations—from the business side to community engagement and beyond. He made it clear that the Colts were not just a company but a family, and leadership would come from those who understood that principle at the deepest level.

That long-term vision is now coming to fruition. Carlie, Casey, and Kalen have taken over ownership of the Colts, each bringing their own strengths while honoring their father’s vision. They’ve publicly expressed how seriously they take this responsibility, not just as business leaders but as stewards of the Colts’ cultural and spiritual identity.

A Historic Honor

Jim Irsay becomes the 20th member of the Colts’ Ring of Honor, a place reserved for those whose contributions to the franchise are etched into its very soul. Fittingly, he will join his father Robert, who was the first-ever inductee into the Ring in 1996. It’s a rare father-son legacy that now both literally and figuratively frames the history of the franchise.

The Ring of Honor is displayed prominently inside Lucas Oil Stadium, serving as a permanent reminder of the individuals who have defined the Colts through the decades. Irsay’s induction will be the first since Reggie Wayne was honored in 2018.

Fans can expect the September 7 ceremony to be emotional and symbolic. It will serve as a full-circle moment for the Colts organization—a farewell to a beloved owner and a welcome to a new era guided by his daughters.

More Than a Tribute

To many, Jim Irsay wasn’t just the owner of the Colts; he was the soul of the franchise. He celebrated with fans, mourned with them after tough losses, and often used his platform to speak candidly and passionately about the state of the team. He brought music, art, and humanity into the often-corporate world of the NFL.

His induction into the Ring of Honor isn’t just a ceremonial nod—it’s a recognition that without Jim Irsay, the Indianapolis Colts might never have become what they are today: a proud, community-driven team with a deep emotional connection to its city and fans.

Looking Ahead

As the Colts enter a new season and continue to develop a young core on the field, they do so with the spirit of their late owner watching over them. The Ring of Honor ceremony will serve as a grounding reminder of where the franchise has come from—and the values that must guide it forward.

In a sport that often moves at lightning speed, where the next game is always more important than the last, the Colts are taking a moment to pause and reflect. They’re giving thanks to a man who gave them everything he had, for nearly three decades.

September 7 won’t just be about football. It will be about legacy, gratitude, and the enduring power of vision.

Source: Colts to add Jim Irsay to Ring of Honor during season opener

Final Thoughts

Jim Irsay was a man who lived and breathed football, but his reach extended far beyond the gridiron. As the Indianapolis Colts begin a new chapter under the leadership of his daughters, they do so with his spirit etched into every decision, every game, and now, every glance up toward the Ring of Honor.

It’s more than an induction—it’s an inheritance.

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