(Video) Colts Coach Tears up While Speaking About Jim Irsay’s Impact on Indianapolis

Indianapolis Colts owner, philanthropist and businessman Jim Irsay passed away on May 21st in Los Angeles in his sleep.

(Video) Colts Coach Tears up While Speaking About Jim Irsay’s Impact on Indianapolis

Reggie Wayne, Jim Irsay (Images via NHL.com/Getty Images)

Indianapolis Colts legend and current wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne teared up during the team’s first media availability while speaking about their former owner Jim Irsay. The long-time owner, who played a key role in transforming the Colts into a winning team, passed away last week during his sleep.

Reggie Wayne, a six-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XLI winner, opened up on the impact of losing Irsay. Wayne admitted that the loss of Irsay affected him as if he had lost a family member, adding that the owner treated him like a son in Indianapolis.

It’s like losing a family member. There were times that I felt like [Irsay] treated me like I was one of his sons even though he didn’t have any. When you lose something like that, it definitely shocks the soul.

Reggie Wayne told reporters

Wayne, who returned to the team in 2022, also shared the message he told his receivers once he learned about the passing of Irsay.

I told the receivers, I said, ‘A lot of y’all don’t really know him but he would’ve done anything for anybody. He would’ve gave the clothes off his back. He cared about his players. He cared about his team. He cared about the city. And it wasn’t just the players, he cared about the people in the building. He was that dude.’

Wayne also added that he told them to learn more about Jim Irsay as homework, to know about what kind of person he was.

Jim Irsay began his footballing career as a ball boy when his father purchased the club in 1972, a time when they were still playing in Baltimore. He became their owner in 1997, after his dad passed away, becoming the youngest team owner at the time. Irsay’s time saw the Colts become a big team, winning  10 division titles, making the playoffs 18 times, appearing in two Super Bowls, and winning Super Bowl XLI.

The Colts are playing for Jim Irsay this season

The Indianapolis Colts officially opened their organized team activities (OTAs) on Wednesday. Amidst the OTAs, Shane Steichen addressed the media for the first time since Irsay’s death. Shane Steichen began his note by honoring the late owner’s legacy.

Jim Irsay
Jim Irsay (Image via ESPN)

Steichen expressed heartfelt condolences to the Irsay family and emphasized the emotional weight carried by the team. He reiterated that the Colts’ 2025 campaign would be dedicated to Irsay’s memory.

I was with him for two years, phenomenal human being. You guys know how generous he was. And that is the man that he was. Thoughts and prayers with all of them through this time, and we’re going to honor this season for Jim and we’re going to win for Jim this year.

Steichen said

With organizational changes and a developing roster, this season offers both pressure and opportunity for the team to align with that purpose.

The Colts made several significant personnel moves this offseason, particularly reshaping their defensive unit. Lou Anarumo has been brought in as the new defensive coordinator. The appointment of Anarumo introduces a more aggressive and schematically deceptive defensive approach for the Colts. The Colts also added tight-end Tyler Warren, as well as solidifying their already formidable defensive front during the offseason.

Despite improvements, quarterback remains the most uncertain position entering camp. Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will split starting reps throughout the offseason. Steichen stressed that consistency will ultimately determine the starter for Week 1.

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