Jim Irsay, the long-time owner of the Indianapolis Colts, passed away at 65. Growing up near his father's NFL team, Irsay learned the football business from the ground up, working various roles within the franchise before becoming owner after his father's death in 1997. His legacy now raises questions about the future ownership of the Colts, with his three daughters poised to take on roles within the organization, continuing a family tradition deeply rooted in football.
Jim Irsay grew up in privilege, with his father Bob amassing a big enough fortune to acquire the Baltimore Colts in 1972, when the younger Irsay was 13. But Irsay's involvement with the team, which moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984, did not originate in the boardroom.
Irsay's time around the franchise, which later included working in the personnel department and serving as general manager, helped him learn the business of football and informed how he would govern himself when he became owner in Indianapolis following his father's death in 1997.
Irsay died on Wednesday at 65, bringing to the forefront what the next generation of Indianapolis Colts ownership will look like.
Irsay's three daughters -- Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson -- have benefited from the same kind of football upbringing their father once had, spending the entirety of their lives around the franchise and working in many capacities.
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