Jim Irsay Net Worth

What was Jim Irsay's net worth?

Jim Irsay was an American businessman, philanthropist, and sports team owner who had a net worth of $5 billion at the time of his death. Jim died on May 21, 2025, at the age of 65.

Irsay earned his fortune as the longtime owner and CEO of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts franchise. He inherited the team from his father, Robert Irsay, who famously acquired the franchise in 1972 and orchestrated its controversial move from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984. Jim officially joined the organization in 1982 after graduating from Southern Methodist University and became the NFL's youngest general manager at age 24.

Following his father's death in 1997, Irsay won a legal battle against his stepmother to gain control of the team, becoming the youngest principal owner and CEO in league history at the age of 37. His tenure would go on to be one of the most successful and transformative in franchise history.

Off the field, Irsay was a devoted philanthropist and music memorabilia collector. He founded the Kicking the Stigma initiative to raise awareness about mental health and contributed to causes like the Irsay Family YMCA. His Jim Irsay Collection showcased rare artifacts from music, sports, and U.S. history.

Despite personal struggles with addiction and health issues, Irsay remained an outspoken and passionate figure in the league. He is survived by his three daughters—Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson—who are expected to carry on his legacy with the Colts.

Indianapolis Colts Leadership

Under Irsay's ownership, the Colts won 10 division titles, made 18 playoff appearances, and captured a Super Bowl championship in 2007. He oversaw the drafting of Peyton Manning in 1998 and Andrew Luck in 2012, and hired key figures like Bill Polian and Tony Dungy. He also spearheaded the construction of Lucas Oil Stadium, which opened in 2008 and became one of the league's premier venues.

Irsay's approach to ownership emphasized long-term vision and organizational stability. During his stewardship, the Colts consistently ranked among the league's top-performing franchises.

Early Life

Jim Irsay was born in Lincolnwood, Illinois, on June 13, 1959. He was the son of Robert Irsay, who made his fortune in the heating and air-conditioning business, and Harriet Pogorzelski. Jim attended Loyola Academy and graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1982 with a degree in broadcast journalism. He was a linebacker and special-teams player on the SMU football team, but suffered a serious ankle injury that ended his athletic career.

Indianapolis Colts

On July 13, 1972, Robert Irsay bought the Los Angeles Rams for $19 million from the estate of Dan Reeves. That same day, he traded the team to Carroll Rosenbloom, who was the owner of the Baltimore Colts at the time, but who wanted to live on the West Coast.

Robert Irsay will forever be known as the owner who took his team and moved it out of town in the middle of the night. As you might imagine, Irsay's relationship with the city of Baltimore and the state of Maryland was strained. The Maryland legislature passed a law on March 27, 1984, that made it legal for the state to claim eminent domain and seize the team in the name of the public good.

Fearing that the state was going to do just that, he accepted a deal from the City of Indianapolis. Then, Indianapolis mayor William H. Hudnut III was the person who contacted Mayflower moving company to arrange for 15 trucks to move the team in the middle of the night.

Jim was 12 years old when his father acquired the team. Upon graduating from SMU in 1982, he went to work for the team.

In 1995, as his father's health was failing, he became Senior Vice President and General Manager. One year later, he became the Chief Operating Officer of the Baltimore Colts. After his father passed away in 1997, he and his stepmother fought for control of the Colts. He eventually won and, at age 37, became the youngest team owner and CEO in the NFL.

Under Irsay's ownership, the Indianapolis Colts have seen considerable success, most notably a Super Bowl XLI victory in 2007. His focus on stability and long-term planning has resulted in the Colts having one of the NFL's best win-loss records since he took ownership. Key decisions, like the hiring of Bill Polian as President and the drafting of Peyton Manning in 1998, reflect Irsay's knack for making critical choices that have shaped the franchise's successful trajectory.

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Addiction and Mental Health Advocacy

In March 2014, Irsay was arrested for DWI and felony drug possession after police found Schedule IV prescription drugs in his vehicle. Following the incident, he entered rehab and became a vocal advocate for addiction recovery and mental health awareness.

He launched the Kicking the Stigma initiative in 2021, committing millions of dollars toward mental health treatment, education, and awareness programs. His willingness to speak publicly about his own struggles earned widespread respect.

$1 Billion Memorabilia Collection

Irsay was also known for building one of the most valuable and culturally significant private memorabilia collections in the world. The Jim Irsay Collection includes:

• Muhammad Ali's "Rumble in the Jungle" championship belt ($6.18 million)
• Kurt Cobain's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" guitar ($4.6 million)
• David Gilmour's "Black Strat" ($3.975 million)
• Jack Kerouac's original On the Road manuscript ($2.43 million)
• The original Alcoholics Anonymous manuscript with handwritten notes ($2.4 million)
• Ringo Starr's drum from The Ed Sullivan Show ($2 million)
• Secretariat's Belmont Stakes saddle ($2 million)
• Bob Dylan's 1965 Newport Folk Festival guitar ($965,000)
• Elton John's touring piano ($915,000)

Jim once turned down a $1.15 billion offer for the entire collection:

"I've been offered $1.15 billion for the collection in totality by someone in the Middle East. I turned it down because, to me, No. 1, it's priceless. And No. 2, I never started the collection for that reason, to look at it and say, 'Oh, this is going to be a great investment.'"

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Personal Life

Jim Irsay had three daughters—Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson—with his ex-wife Meg Coyle. All three daughters have taken on active leadership roles within the Colts organization and are expected to continue their father's legacy.

A devoted fan of classic rock, literature, and American history, Irsay lived at the intersection of sports, music, and philanthropy. His life, while marked by personal challenges, was defined by bold vision, generosity, and an enduring passion for culture.

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