Jim Irsay, the longtime owner of the Indianapolis Colts, passed away peacefully in his sleep, with official reports citing cardiac arrest due to acute pneumonia, chronic atrial fibrillation, and cardiac arrhythmia as the causes.

Throughout his life, Irsay struggled privately with opioid addiction, experiencing multiple overdoses in recent years, including a serious incident in December 2023 that led to hospitalization.

Despite his battles with addiction, Irsay was open about his struggles, founding the 'Kicking the Stigma' initiative in 2020 and donating over $17 million to mental health and addiction causes.

His health decline was evident during the 2024 NFL season, with reports indicating he had difficulty walking and was absent from team activities for nearly four months due to a severe respiratory illness, which was later linked to his addiction issues.

Private treatment records and law enforcement reports confirmed multiple overdoses, including incidents in Turks and Caicos and at his Florida residence, with some treatment involving controversial drug prescriptions.

Irsay's family issued a statement defending his legacy, acknowledging his battles with addiction and mental health while emphasizing their desire for privacy amid ongoing concerns about his health and substance use.

The Colts organization has maintained silence regarding reports of Irsay's relapse, and the death was not considered suspicious by authorities, with no autopsy pursued.

Irsay's death certificate listed natural causes, specifically cardiac arrest due to underlying health conditions, and his body was returned to Indiana for a private funeral attended by family and friends.

There was controversy surrounding his treatment, with reports indicating he received care from a luxury recovery physician and was prescribed ketamine, raising questions about the management of his addiction.

Irsay's influence extended beyond his health struggles; he was a pioneering NFL owner, becoming the youngest general manager at age 24, leading the Colts to a Super Bowl victory in 2006, and serving on league committees.

He was scheduled to be inducted into the Colts' Ring of Honor during the upcoming season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 7, a tribute to his significant contributions to the team and the sport.