Career Timeline of Jim Irsay: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Jim Irsay built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jim Irsay was an American billionaire businessman who served as the principal owner, chairman, and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts from 1997 until his death in 2025. He was a prominent figure in the NFL, overseeing the Colts' operations and playing a key role in the league's business dealings. Irsay inherited the team from his father, Robert Irsay, and continued the family's legacy in professional football.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1982: Joins Colts' Staff

After graduating from SMU in 1982, Jim Irsay joined the Colts' professional staff.

1983: Joins the Team's Personnel Department

In 1983, Jim Irsay became a part of the Colts' personnel department, marking an early step in his NFL career.

1983: Added to Personnel Department

In 1983, Jim Irsay was added to the personnel department of the Colts, with duties including college scouting and film breakdown.

1984: Named Vice President and General Manager

In early 1984, immediately after the Colts relocated from Baltimore to Indianapolis, Jim Irsay was named vice president and general manager, becoming the youngest person to hold that title in the NFL at age 24.

1995: Assumes Day-to-Day Management

In 1995, after his father suffered a stroke, Jim Irsay assumed day-to-day management of the Colts with the title "senior executive vice president, general manager and chief operating officer".

1997: Becomes NFL Team Owner

In 1997, after his father's death, Jim Irsay engaged in a legal battle with his stepmother over the Colts' ownership and became the youngest NFL team owner at 37.

2017: End of Chuck Pagano's Coaching

In 2017, Chuck Pagano's time as head coach of the Colts came to an end, having served in that role since 2012.

2020: Launches Kicking The Stigma

In late 2020, the Irsay family launched Kicking The Stigma, dedicated to raising awareness about mental health disorders and removing associated stigma.

December 2021: Donates to Indiana University

In December 2021, the Irsay family donated $3 million to Indiana University to create the Irsay Family Research Institute, dedicated to studying mental health and its associated stigma.

2021: Donation to IU Cancer Research

In 2021, Jim Irsay hosted Chuck Pagano's Chuckstrong Tailgate Gala at his home and donated $2 million to the IU cancer research after Pagano made a free throw for $1 million and 10 layups for $100,000 apiece on Irsay's basketball court.

2021: Kicking The Stigma Action Grants Totaled $2.7 Million

In 2021, Kicking The Stigma action grants totaled $2.7 million and were gifted to 16 groups.

November 2022: Fires Frank Reich, Hires Jeff Saturday

In November 2022, Jim Irsay fired Colts head coach Frank Reich after a 3-5-1 start to the season and controversially replaced him with Jeff Saturday, who had no coaching experience beyond the high school level and was an NFL analyst for ESPN at the time.

November 20, 2022: Donates to Indianapolis Zoo

On November 20, 2022, Jim Irsay donated $1 million to the Indianapolis Zoo, funding a renovation project and the new Indianapolis Colts Welcome Center Plaza.

2022: Kicking The Stigma Action Grants Totaled $1.4 Million

In 2022, Kicking The Stigma distributed a total of $1.4 million in action grants to 23 nonprofits and organizations in the mental health sector.

March 30, 2023: Seaquarium Announces Lolita's Release

On March 30, 2023, the Miami Seaquarium announced that Lolita, its sole captive orca, would be returned to her natal waters with Jim Irsay's involvement in funding the relocation and release.