Peyton Manning has paid an emotional tribute to Jim Irsay following the Indianapolis Colts owner’s death on Wednesday. 

Irsay, who was rarely seen in public during the last NFL season, died in his sleep on Wednesday afternoon, the team announced.

He was in charge when the Colts won the Super Bowl against the Chicago Bears with Manning at quarterback in 2007 and oversaw the construction of their Lucas Oil Stadium. 

In a devastating Instagram post, Manning said: ‘I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay’s pᴀssing. 

‘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, #18’.

Peyton Manning has paid an emotional tribute to Jim Irsay following the Colts owner’s death

In a devastating Instagram post, Manning said he was ‘heartbroken’ by the tragic news

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Tom Brady was among those to comment on the post, writing ‘RIP’ with prayer and love heart emojis.

The Colts’ outspoken and sometimes controversial owner was once a team ball boy before he learned every position in the organization and eventually took control of the franchise.

However, away from football, Irsay battled crippling addiction problems and personal demons. He had three daughters with ex-wife Meg Coyle.

In a 2023 interview with HBO Sports, Irsay admitted he had been to rehab for alcoholism and painkiller addiction at least 15 times but hadn’t consumed an alcoholic beverage since 2002.

Irsay had become less visible following a fall at his home in December 2023.

Police officers from Carmel, Indiana responded to a 911 call from Irsay´s home and officers found him breathing but unresponsive and with a bluish skin tone.

The report said Pete Ward, Irsay´s longtime right-hand man and the teams chief operating officer, told officers he was worried Irsay was suffering from congestive heart failure and that Irsay´s nurse had said his oxygen level was low, his breathing was labored and he was ‘mostly’ unconscious.

Police later characterized the incident in a report as a suspected overdose. A month later, he was diagnosed with a respiratory illness.

During his annual training camp news conference last summer, Irsay told reporters he was continuing to rehab from two subsequent surgeries – though he remained seated in his golf cart. Irsay did not speak during the recent NFL draft as he typically did. 

He was in charge when the Colts won the Super Bowl against the Bears with Manning at QB

A Colts statement on Wednesday read: ‘We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, pᴀssed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon. 

‘Jim’s dedication and pᴀssion for the Indianapolis Colts in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpᴀssed. 

‘Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them.

‘Jim’s generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state of Indiana and the country. He made philanthropy a daily endeavor. He never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives. 

‘Music was one of Jim’s pᴀssions and the ability to share his band and collection with millions of people across the world brought him tremendous joy. 

‘Simply put, he wanted to make the world a better place and that philosophy never wavered. Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit.’

Irsay was arrested in 2014 for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, which he later claimed was because he was targeted for being ‘a rich, white billionaire.’

At the time, Irsay insisted a recent hip surgery was why he failed a field sobriety test and not alcohol.

Also in 2014, a woman alleged to be Irsay’s mistress was found ᴅᴇᴀᴅ in a townhouse provided by the billionaire, according to IndyStar.com.

Irsay had become less visible in recent years following a fall at his home in December 2023

Irsay’s fortune comes from his family’s heating and cooling (HVAC) empire, not to mention the Colts, a team his late father bought in Baltimore in 1972 before famously moving the franchise to Indianapolis nine years later.

According to The Athletic, the oldest of Irsay’s three daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, is expected to ᴀssume principal ownership duties of the Colts.

It’s claimed Irsay preferred all three of his daughters, Carlie, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, would work together as co-owners.

An X account belonging to Irsay posted a good luck message to the Indiana Pacers earlier in the day.

It read: ‘Go PACERS. Good luck to Herb, the entire @Pacers organization, and our city!’, referencing their NBA playoff game with the New York Knicks.