The Indianapolis Colts have announced a heartfelt tribute to honor the life and legacy of their late owner, Jim Irsay

The Indianapolis Colts have announced a heartfelt tribute to honor the life and legacy of their late owner, Jim Irsay, who passed away earlier this year. Known for his deep passion for the game, unwavering commitment to his team, and unique personality, Irsay’s influence on the franchise and the broader NFL community is both profound and enduring. In recognition of his contributions, the Colts are rolling out a series of memorial initiatives to commemorate his lasting impact. The centerpiece of the tribute will be a “Jim Irsay Legacy Game”, set to take place during the Colts’ first home game of the 2025 NFL season. The event will include a pre-game ceremony featuring a video montage celebrating Irsay’s life, with personal messages from former players, coaches, NFL executives, and family members. A special patch bearing Irsay’s initials, “JI”, will also be added to the players’ uniforms for the entire season. Additionally, the Colts will unveil a statue of Jim Irsay outside Lucas Oil Stadium. The bronze sculpture, expected to be completed by mid-season, will stand as a symbol of Irsay’s devotion to the team and city. Team officials shared that the statue’s location will be at the stadium’s northeast entrance, next to that of Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy — a gesture meant to represent Irsay’s role in building the team’s championship culture. Off the field, the Colts plan to launch the Jim Irsay Foundation for Mental Health and Wellness, a cause that was close to Irsay’s heart. The foundation will focus on supporting mental health initiatives, addiction recovery programs, and youth counseling services across Indiana. Proceeds from commemorative merchandise and special game-day sales will go directly toward funding the foundation’s early efforts. “Jim wasn’t just our owner. He was our family. His passion, his heart, and his vision built this franchise into what it is today,” said Colts general manager Chris Ballard. “These plans are just a small way we can say thank you and ensure his legacy continues.” The NFL community, fans, and the city of Indianapolis will have many opportunities in the coming months to celebrate and remember a man whose influence went far beyond football.