The College Football and NFL worlds were recently shocked by the tragic announcement of the passing of legendary Indianapolis Colts icon Jim Irsay, who owned and ran the franchise.
Specific details on his passing are currently unknown to the public, but the news has left fans of the Indianapolis franchise and the football world in a state of mourning and shock. In his memory, let’s look back at his roots and how he entered the football world.
Where Did Jim Irsay Attend College? A Look at the Late Colts Owner’s Roots
Jim Irsay first acquired the Colts franchise when he inherited it from his father, Robert Irsay. He purchased the Los Angeles Rams in 1972 before trading them for the Baltimore Colts. But prior to this, the legendary owner shaped his own path in life.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 21, 2025
Working in the Colts ticket office, the franchise owner also attended Southern Methodist University (SMU), graduating from the school in 1982 with a degree in broadcast journalism, before returning to the Colts front office staff in Baltimore and initially working in ticketing and public relations.
Irsay also spent a couple of years as a walk-on linebacker for SMU, although his time as a player was unremarkable. The Colts’ owner instead pursued his other passions, like music.
“I had an unremarkable career playing football at SMU — only played in ’78 before I got injured.”
“It was kind of like a George Plimpton experience for me. I hadn’t played since my freshman year of high school. But I found my rhythm by pursuing the things I loved at SMU,” Irsay recalled back in 2010.
Outside of his time as a linebacker for SMU, Irsay also significantly impacted the lives and development of many College Football players. In the fall of 2006, Irsay created a scholarship at SMU for Indiana students. The “Irsay Scholars,” as they are known, receive a four-year full tuition scholarship with room and board at SMU.
“Starting as a teenager as a Colts’ ballboy, he learned every position in the organization,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell explained in the wake of Irsay’s tragic passing.
In the statement the Indianapolis Colts released following the tragic passing of their owner, they mentioned his love of music, which he discovered at SMU, as one of the things he would be most remembered for.
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“Music was one of Jim’s passions, and the ability to share his band and collection with millions of people across the world brought him tremendous joy,” the Colts reminisced in their statement.
Immediately following his passing, as the franchise looks to get over the loss, it will also have to look towards the future. Prior to his passing, Irsay declared that he wanted the franchise to stay within the family as an integral part of his legacy.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Irsay’s oldest daughter, serves as the vice chair and co-owner of the team. Each of his three daughters was granted an ownership title in 2012.
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