Jim Irsay’s death has left Tony Dungy heartbroken.
The former Indianapolis head coach joined Pro Football Talk Live on Thursday to reflect on his relationship with the franchise’s longtime owner, who died Wednesday at the age of 65, including a recent missed connection between the two.
“I was really rocked when I heard it last night,” Dungy said. “Jim invited me up to speak to the rookies two weeks ago, and I spoke to their rookie camp, but my plane was late, about 30 minutes late, and I didn’t get a chance to go stop by and see him. I can’t believe that would’ve been my last opportunity. I was really heart broken when I heard it. Such a good man and special in my life.”
Dungy, who was head coach of the Colts from 2002-08, also took to social media to honor Irsay, who pᴀssed in his sleep on Wednesday.
“When I got the news last night that Jim Irsay had pᴀssed away in his sleep it was devastating to me. The Bible says in many places that tomorrow is not promised to us but I wasn’t ready for this. Jim was one of the kindest, most compᴀssionate people I have ever known,” Dungy wrote on X.
“He was awesome to me and my family. He was a blessing to his players and staff. But more than that he had a heart for people and for the city of Indianapolis. He loved people and did so many things for others — more things than you could imagine. I miss him already. He was a special man and I couldn’t have worked for a better owner.”
Dungy went 112-85 during seven seasons with the Colts, leading the franchise to its only Super Bowl win during its tenure in Indianapolis alongside quarterback Peyton Manning in 2007.
Manning also spoke out Wednesday to honor Irsay after his death.
“I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay’s pᴀssing,” Manning wrote in a post on Instagram. “He was an incredibly generous and pᴀssionate owner and I will always be indebted to him for giving me my start in the NFL. His love for the Colts and the city of Indy was unmatched.
“His impact on the players who played for him will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone in the Colts community. He will be missed. Jim, rest in peace my friend.”
