History of Jim Irsay in Timeline

James Irsay is a prominent figure in the American business and sports landscape. As the owner, chairman, and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, an NFL team, he wields significant influence. His leadership extends beyond the football field, as he is also a recognized businessman.

June 13, 1959: Birth of Jim Irsay

Jim Irsay was born on June 13, 1959, marking the beginning of his life and future influence on the world of American football.

1971: Tragic Death of Roberta Irsay

The Irsay family experienced a devastating loss in 1971 when Jim's sister, Roberta, died in a car accident.

1972: Robert Irsay Acquires the Baltimore Colts

In 1972, Jim Irsay's father, Robert Irsay, purchased the Baltimore Colts franchise, setting the stage for the family's legacy in the NFL.

1980: Jim Irsay Marries Meg Coyle

Jim Irsay and Meg Coyle were married in 1980.

1982: Jim Irsay Joins the Colts

After graduating from SMU in 1982, Jim Irsay officially joined the Colts' professional staff, beginning his journey within the organization.

1982: Jim Irsay Graduates from SMU

Jim Irsay graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1982 with a degree in broadcast journalism, marking a milestone in his educational journey.

1983: Jim Irsay's Role in Colts' Personnel Department

Jim Irsay's responsibilities within the Colts grew in 1983 when he became a part of the team's personnel department.

1984: The Colts Move to Indianapolis

A significant year for the Irsay family and the Colts, 1984 marked the relocation of the team from Baltimore to Indianapolis, a move orchestrated by Robert Irsay.

1984: Jim Irsay Becomes Colts Vice President and General Manager

Jim Irsay's ascent within the Colts organization continued in 1984 when he was appointed as vice president and general manager, shortly after the team's relocation to Indianapolis.

1984: Jim Irsay's Tenure with Colts Begins

Jim Irsay's involvement with the Colts, dating back to 1984, has seen him work alongside numerous Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees.

1995: Robert Irsay Suffers a Stroke

In 1995, Robert Irsay, Jim's father and Colts owner, suffered a stroke, leading to Jim assuming a larger role within the organization.

April 1996: Jim Irsay Assumes Colts' Day-to-Day Management

Following his father's stroke, Jim Irsay took on a greater leadership role within the Colts organization in April 1996, assuming day-to-day management responsibilities.

1996: Jim Irsay Becomes Colts General Manager

Jim Irsay took on a prominent role in the Colts organization in 1996, becoming the team's general manager.

1997: Jim Irsay Becomes Youngest NFL Team Owner

Following his father's death in 1997, Jim Irsay became the youngest NFL team owner at that time, at the age of 37.

1999: Eric Dickerson's Hall of Fame Induction

Eric Dickerson, who had played under the Irsay family's ownership, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

1999: Passing of Thomas Irsay

Tragedy struck the Irsay family in 1999 with the passing of Jim's brother, Thomas.

2000: Start of Colts' Successful Decade

The Indianapolis Colts, under Jim Irsay's ownership, embarked on a remarkably successful period starting in 2000, marked by numerous wins and playoff appearances.

2001: Jim Irsay Purchases Original "On the Road" Manuscript

In 2001, Jim Irsay added a remarkable piece to his collection: the original manuscript of Jack Kerouac's "On the Road." The manuscript, a 120-foot scroll, was purchased for $2.43 million.

2003: Jim Irsay and Meg Coyle Separate

Jim Irsay and his wife, Meg Coyle, separated in 2003.

2003: Rush Limbaugh's Controversial Comments

Jim Irsay's opposition to Rush Limbaugh's Rams bid in 2009 stemmed from controversial remarks Limbaugh made in 2003 while working as an NFL commentator.

2009: Jim Irsay Opposes Rush Limbaugh's Bid for Rams

Jim Irsay took a public stance in 2009 against talk show host Rush Limbaugh's attempt to purchase the St. Louis Rams, citing concerns over Limbaugh's past controversial comments.

2009: End of Colts' Successful Decade

The year 2009 marked the culmination of a highly successful decade for the Indianapolis Colts, with the team achieving a remarkable number of wins under Jim Irsay's ownership.

2011: Marshall Faulk's Hall of Fame Induction

Marshall Faulk's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011 marked another significant moment for the Colts under the Irsay family's stewardship.

September 2012: Chuck Pagano Diagnosed with Leukemia

Chuck Pagano, then head coach of the Colts, received a diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia in September 2012.

November 21, 2013: Meg Coyle Files for Divorce from Jim Irsay

After being separated since 2003, Meg Coyle filed for divorce from Jim Irsay on November 21, 2013, ending their marriage.

March 16, 2014: Jim Irsay Arrested for DUI and Drug Possession

On March 16, 2014, Jim Irsay was arrested in Carmel, Indiana, on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) and drug possession. This incident brought to light allegations of an ongoing drug problem and sparked controversy due to Irsay's claims of prejudice and the involvement of his mistress, Kimberly Wundrum, who had overdosed in a house Irsay purchased with Colts funds.

September 2, 2014: Jim Irsay Suspended and Fined by NFL

On September 2, 2014, shortly after pleading guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), Jim Irsay received a six-game suspension from the NFL and a $500,000 fine. This disciplinary action stemmed from his March 2014 arrest for DUI and drug possession.

2014: Jim Irsay Buys Bob Dylan's Newport Electric Guitar

In 2014, Jim Irsay acquired the electric guitar Bob Dylan played at the Newport Folk Festival for just under $1 million, adding a significant piece of music history to his collection.

2015: Bill Polian's Hall of Fame Induction

Bill Polian, who played a key role during the Colts' successful years, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

2016: Tony Dungy and Marvin Harrison's Hall of Fame Induction

The year 2016 saw two more figures associated with the Colts' success inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: coach Tony Dungy and wide receiver Marvin Harrison.

2017: Chuck Pagano's Tenure as Colts Head Coach Ends

Chuck Pagano's time as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts came to an end in 2017.

2017: Jim Irsay Purchases Ringo Starr's Ludwig Drum Set

Jim Irsay acquired a piece of Beatles history in 2017 when he purchased Ringo Starr's Ludwig drum set for $2.2 million. This acquisition further diversified his collection of music memorabilia.

May 5, 2018: Jim Irsay Acquires Alcoholics Anonymous Manuscript

On May 5, 2018, Jim Irsay purchased a significant piece of literary history: an original printing of the 1939 book "Alcoholics Anonymous" annotated by co-founder Bill Wilson. Irsay acquired the book at auction for $2.4 million.

June 20, 2019: Jim Irsay Purchases David Gilmour's "Black Strat"

Jim Irsay made a record-breaking purchase on June 20, 2019, acquiring David Gilmour's iconic "Black Strat" guitar for $3.975 million. This acquisition added a legendary instrument to his already impressive collection.

2020: Edgerrin James' Hall of Fame Induction

Edgerrin James, a standout running back for the Colts, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

2020: Irsay Family Launches "Kicking The Stigma"

The Irsay family, led by Jim Irsay, launched the "Kicking The Stigma" initiative in late 2020 to raise awareness about mental health and combat the associated stigma.

December 2021: Irsay Family's $3 Million Donation to Indiana University

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

2021: "Kicking The Stigma" Distributes $2.7 Million in Grants

In 2021, "Kicking The Stigma" distributed $2.7 million in action grants to 16 different groups working in the mental health sector.

2021: Guitar Magazine Recognizes Jim Irsay's Guitar Collection

In 2021, Jim Irsay's impressive guitar collection garnered acclaim from Guitar Magazine, which dubbed it "the greatest guitar collection on Earth." This recognition solidified Irsay's status as a prominent collector in the music world.

2021: Jim Irsay's $2 Million Donation to IU Cancer Research

Jim Irsay made a significant contribution to cancer research in 2021, donating $2 million to the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.

2021: Peyton Manning's Hall of Fame Induction

Peyton Manning, arguably the most iconic player in Colts history, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

May 23, 2022: Jim Irsay Acquires Kurt Cobain's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Guitar

On May 23, 2022, Jim Irsay set another record by purchasing the 1969 Fender Mustang played by Kurt Cobain in Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" music video. The guitar was acquired for $4.6 million.

October 2022: Jim Irsay Calls for Daniel Snyder's Removal

In October 2022, amid calls for Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder to sell the team, Jim Irsay expressed his belief that removing Snyder was warranted.

November 2022: Jim Irsay's Controversial Coaching Change

Jim Irsay's decision in November 2022 to fire Colts head coach Frank Reich and replace him with Jeff Saturday, who lacked significant coaching experience, drew considerable scrutiny.

November 20, 2022: Jim Irsay's Generous Donation to Indianapolis Zoo

Jim Irsay demonstrated his commitment to the Indianapolis community on November 20, 2022, by donating $1 million to the Indianapolis Zoo for their renovation project.

2022: "Kicking The Stigma" Reaches $17 Million in Commitments

By late 2022, "Kicking The Stigma" had committed over $17 million towards mental health initiatives through grants and donations.

March 30, 2023: Jim Irsay Funds Lolita the Orca's Return to Natural Habitat

On March 30, 2023, Jim Irsay committed to funding a significant portion of the estimated $15-$20 million cost to return Lolita, a captive orca at the Miami Seaquarium, to her native waters.

August 18, 2023: Lolita the Orca Dies Before Release

Tragically, Lolita the orca, whom Jim Irsay had pledged to help return to her natural habitat, died on August 18, 2023, before the relocation could be carried out.

December 8, 2023: Jim Irsay Hospitalized After Being Found Unresponsive

Jim Irsay was rushed to the hospital on December 8, 2023, after being found unresponsive and struggling to breathe at his home. Reports indicate he received Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, raising further concerns about potential health issues.

2023: Jim Irsay Obtains Secretariat's Triple Crown Saddle

In 2023, Jim Irsay expanded his collection beyond music memorabilia by acquiring the saddle used by the legendary racehorse Secretariat during his American Triple Crown victory in 1973.

2023: Jim Irsay Claims Prejudice in 2014 Arrest

In a 2023 interview on Real Sports, Jim Irsay attributed his 2014 arrest to prejudice, claiming he was targeted because he is a "rich, white billionaire." This statement reignited discussions about the incident and his views on the matter.

2023: Completion of Indianapolis Zoo Renovation

The Indianapolis Zoo's renovation, funded in part by Jim Irsay's generous donation, is expected to be complete by Memorial Day 2023.

January 2024: Report of Jim Irsay's December 2023 Hospitalization Surfaces

In January 2024, a report from TMZ revealed that Jim Irsay had been hospitalized on December 8, 2023, after being found unresponsive. The report, later corroborated by other news outlets, indicated Irsay's condition necessitated the administration of Narcan, suggesting a possible opioid overdose.