The NFL community was shaken Wednesday by the unexpected death of Jim Irsay at 65. The longtime Indianapolis Colts owner was known for his vibrant personality and deep connection to both fans and players. Among the many Colts who thrived under his leadership was wide receiver TY Hilton, a key figure in the franchise’s post-Peyton Manning years. Drafted in the third round in 2012, Hilton spent a decade with the team, leaving a lasting mark during Irsay’s tenure.
After learning of his former team owner’s passing, T.Y. Hilton became visibly emotional. “Please don’t ask me if I’m ok. Cuz I’m not. Thank You Sooo Much Mr. Irsay. I will forever hold our talks close to my heart. Love You! RIP Mr. Irsay,” Hilton said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Please don’t ask me if I’m ok. Cuz I’m not. Thank You Sooo Much Mr.Irsay. I will forever hold our talks close to my heart. Love You! RIP Mr.Irsay 🥹🥹🥹🥹😢😢 pic.twitter.com/EeOh5lmec5
— TY Hilton (@TYHilton13) May 22, 2025
Irsay’s remarkable run with the Colts included several unforgettable moments, most notably transforming the franchise’s identity by selecting quarterback Peyton Manning with the No. 1 pick in 1998—a move that eventually culminated in the team’s Super Bowl 41 victory over the Bears.
Though Irsay had dealt with various health challenges in recent years, the exact cause of his death has not been disclosed. According to the Colts’ statement on Wednesday, he passed away peacefully. Irsay officially took over the franchise in 1997 after it was passed down from his father, Robert Irsay, who had purchased the team in 1972 for $12 million.
TY Hilton with the Colts
TY Hilton blossomed into a top receiver in Indianapolis, recording five seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards — four of them consecutively. In 2016, he led the league with 1,448 yards, while hauling in 91 receptions and six touchdowns. That year marked the peak of a consistently productive run with the Colts.
Hilton earned four Pro Bowl selections during his time with the Colts and remained a focal point of the offense well into the latter stages of his career. The connection between Hilton and the franchise — and with Jim Irsay in particular — ran deep. That bond was strong enough that Hilton turned down a more lucrative offer from the Ravens to stay in Indianapolis ahead of the 2021 season.
Indianapolis Colts At Arizona Cardinals At State Farm Stadium In Glendale Ariz On Saturday Dec 25 2021 Christmas Day Nfl
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement mourning Jim Irsay’s passing, highlighting his deep dedication to the Colts organization, its players, and the fanbase that supported him throughout his tenure.
