The Colts will be playing with heavy hearts in 2025 after the death of longtime owner Jim Irsay earlier in the offseason.
Irsay, who battled addiction and health issues during portions of his ownership, was one of the NFL's more vocal owners throughout much of his tenure and, by all accounts, was well-liked by Colts players.
Irsay inherited the Colts from his father in 1997 after taking over day-to-day operations for the franchise in 1995. He oversaw a run with Peyton Manning at quarterback that included a Super Bowl 41 win and another Super Bowl appearance three years later.
Here's a look at how the Colts are honoring Irsay in 2025, including a jersey patch that will be worn throughout the season.
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Colts Jim Irsay jersey patch, explained
The Colts unveiled their jersey patch honoring Irsay in May. The black patch includes Irsay's initials, "JI," and features his signature stitched across the center. The outside of the patch also includes white specks that mimic the nail-shaped holes found in the Colts' logo.
For The Boss. 💪
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 27, 2025
Jim's initials, signature and trademark smiley face will be featured on our jerseys this season.#ThankYouJimIrsay pic.twitter.com/Tx9Bn5j8iO
The Colts are not only planning to wear the patch in the preseason on regular season, but they are wearing it on their practice jerseys as well. Colts coach Shane Steichen has also been seen wearing a black hat that features the patch.
In addition to the jersey patch, the Colts will induct Irsay into their Ring of Honor during their Week 1 game against the Dolphins. The announcement was made on what would have been Irsay's 66th birthday in June.
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When did Jim Irsay die?
Irsay passed away on May 21, 2025 in Beverly Hills, Calif.
The Colts announced a formal succession plan in June, with Irsay's daughter, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, taking over as principal owner. Irsay's other two daughters will be heavily involved in the franchise as well, with Casey Foyt becoming executive vice president and Kalen Jackson serving as chief brand officer and president of the Colts Foundation.
Irsay-Gordon is now one of five women serving as an NFL team's principal owner in charge of day-to-day operations, joining Tennessee's Amy Adams Strunk, New Orleans' Gayle Benson, Seattle's Jody Allen and Detroit's Sheila Ford Hamp.
Jim Irsay cause of death
The Colts only said Irsay died in his sleep, but Irsay's death certificate revealed his death was caused by cardiac arrest, complicated by acute pneumonia, atrial fibrillation and an irregular heartbeat,
Irsay died in a hotel room in Beverly Hills, Calif., indicating his death was not expected. He did, however, experience health issues in the years leading up to his death. Irsay was found struggling to breathe in late 2023 and had to be treated with Narcan, and he was seen using a wheelchair or similar devices throughout 2024 after undergoing hip surgery.
Irsay passed away while many of the NFL's owners attended their annual meeting in Minnesota.