Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts owner, dies at 65

Jim Irsay, who grew up around the NFL's Colts before he assumed control of the team himself, died in his sleep Wednesday at 65, the team announced.

Jim Irsay, who grew up around the NFL's Colts before he assumed control of the team himself, died in his sleep Wednesday at 65, the team announced.

No cause of death was given. Irsay had battled health issues in recent years. When he appeared at the Indianapolis Colts' training camp last summer, it was his first public appearance since the previous season, The Indianapolis Star reported, and he told the Star that he had been recuperating after having undergone several operations following a fall at his home.

Irsay was 13 when his father, Robert, bought the Baltimore Colts in 1972. When the franchise moved to Indianapolis in 1984, the younger Irsay was named vice president and general manager; he became its chief operating officer in 1996.

Upon his father's death in 1997, Irsay took over his family's business as the team's owner and chief executive. His time in ownership overlapped with the arrival of quarterback Peyton Manning, who led the Colts to a win in the Super Bowl in 2007.

“Jim’s love and appreciation for the NFL, in addition to its history, tradition and principles influenced him to become a steward of the game throughout his 50-plus years in the League,” the Colts said in a statement.