History of Jim Irsay in Timeline

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

1939: Publication of Alcoholics Anonymous

In 1939, the book "Alcoholics Anonymous" was originally printed, a copy of which Jim Irsay later purchased with notes handwritten by author Bill Wilson.

1954: Les Paul's Black Beauty

Jim Irsay owns Les Paul's 1954 Black Beauty guitar, a notable item in his extensive guitar collection.

1969: Kurt Cobain's 1969 Fender Mustang

Jim Irsay owns the 1969 Fender Mustang played by Nirvana's Kurt Cobain in the music video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit".

1971: Sister Roberta's Death

In 1971, Jim Irsay's sister, Roberta, tragically died in a car accident.

1973: Secretariat's Saddle

In 2023, Jim Irsay acquired the saddle used by Secretariat when he won the American Triple Crown in 1973.

1978: High School Graduation

In 1978, Jim Irsay graduated from Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, marking the end of his high school education.

1980: Marriage to Meg Coyle

In 1980, Jim Irsay married Meg Coyle.

1981: Birth of Carlie Irsay-Gordon

Around 1981, Jim Irsay and Meg Coyle welcomed their daughter, Carlie Irsay-Gordon.

1982: Joins Colts' Staff

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

1982: University Graduation

In 1982, Jim Irsay graduated from Southern Methodist University (SMU) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism.

1983: Birth of Casey Foyt

In 1983, Jim Irsay and Meg Coyle celebrated the birth of their daughter, Casey Foyt.

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.

2001: Purchases "On the Road" Manuscript

In 2001, Jim Irsay purchased the original manuscript of Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" for $2.43 million.

2003: Comments on Donovan McNabb

In 2003, Rush Limbaugh made comments about Donovan McNabb, when he was an NFL commentator for ESPN. The comments were condemned as racist.

2003: Separation from Meg Coyle

Jim Irsay and his wife, Meg Coyle, separated in 2003, marking a significant change in their relationship.

2009: Vocal Against Limbaugh's Bid

In 2009, Jim Irsay publicly opposed a group including Rush Limbaugh from purchasing the St. Louis Rams, citing inappropriate and insensitive comments made by Limbaugh in the past, including comments made about Donovan McNabb in 2003.

September 2012: Chuck Pagano Diagnosed with Leukemia

In September 2012, Colts head coach Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

November 21, 2013: Divorce Filing

On November 21, 2013, Meg Coyle filed for divorce from Jim Irsay, formalizing the end of their marriage.

March 16, 2014: Arrest for DUI and Drug Possession

On March 16, 2014, Jim Irsay was arrested in Carmel, Indiana, on suspicion of driving under the influence and drug possession, leading to felony charges that were later pleaded down to misdemeanors.

September 2, 2014: NFL Suspension and Fine

On September 2, 2014, shortly after pleading guilty to operating while intoxicated, Jim Irsay was suspended by the NFL for six games and fined $500,000.

2014: Purchase of Bob Dylan's Guitar

In 2014, Jim Irsay bought the electric guitar that Bob Dylan played at Newport for just under US$1 million.

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.

2017: Purchase of Ringo Starr's Drum Set

In 2017, Jim Irsay paid US$2.2 million for a Ludwig drum set belonging to Ringo Starr.

May 5, 2018: Purchases Alcoholics Anonymous Original Printing

On May 5, 2018, Jim Irsay purchased an original printing of the 1939 book "Alcoholics Anonymous" with notes handwritten by the author Bill Wilson for $2.4 million at auction.

June 20, 2019: Purchase of David Gilmour's Guitar

On June 20, 2019, Jim Irsay paid a record $3.3 million for a guitar, known as The Black Strat, formerly owned by Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour.

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.

May 23, 2022: Purchase of Kurt Cobain's Guitar

On May 23, 2022, Jim Irsay paid a record $4.6 million for the 1969 Fender Mustang played by Nirvana's Kurt Cobain in the music video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit".

October 2022: Calls for Daniel Snyder's Removal

In October 2022, at a National Football League owner's meeting, Jim Irsay expressed his belief that Daniel Snyder should be removed as the owner of the Washington Commanders.

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.

August 18, 2023: Death of Lolita

On August 18, 2023, Lolita, the orca, died before she could be relocated to her natal waters, despite efforts and funding provided by Jim Irsay.

December 8, 2023: Hospitalization After Being Found Unresponsive

On December 8, 2023, Jim Irsay was found unresponsive and struggling to breathe at home and was taken to the hospital, where he received Narcan for a suspected opioid overdose.

2023: Acquisition of Secretariat's Saddle

In 2023, Jim Irsay acquired the saddle used by Secretariat when he won the American Triple Crown in 1973, adding to his collection of memorabilia.

2023: Claim of Prejudice

In a 2023 interview on Real Sports, Jim Irsay claimed he was arrested due to prejudice against rich, white billionaires.

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January 2024: News Report of Health Incident

In January 2024, a report released by TMZ indicated that Jim Irsay had been found unresponsive at home on December 8, 2023, and was treated with Narcan, confirming the health incident.