Colts star Jonathan Taylor honors late team owner Jim Irsay in Instagram post

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor posted a heartfelt message paying tribute to franchise owner Jim Irsay, who died on Wednesday at the age of 65.

Irsay began his career as the GM of the Colts when he was 24, the youngest ever to hold such a position in the NFL. After his father died, Irsay became the youngest owner in the NFL at age 37 in 1997.

His health had deteriorated in recent years and the Colts announced on Wednesday that he had died peacefully in his sleep.

Taylor was among several current and former Colts players to honor Irsay. Taylor shared the Colts' tribute on his Instagram story with a pair of emojis.

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"💙🕊️," Taylor wrote.

Jonathan Taylor's post on Jim Irsay

Taylor has spent his entire NFL career with the Colts after being drafted in the second round in 2020.

He was the league's rushing yards and rushing touchdowns leader in 2021. He is also a two-time Pro Bowler.

Colts 'devastated' by Jim Irsay's death

The Colts issued a statement announcing Irsay's death, which caught many by surprise.

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"We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon," Colts chief operating officer Pete Ward said in a statement released by the team. "Jim's dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed."

Irsay dealt with some health scares in recent years. In December 2023, first responders found him unresponsive in his bedroom, and the Colts announced he was dealing with a severe respiratory illness.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also issued a heartfelt statement on Irsay's death.

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"We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay's passing today. Jim was a friend, and a man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts, and the Indianapolis community," he said in a statement.

"He led with integrity, passion and care for the Colts' players, coaches and staff, and his courageous work in support of mental health will be a lasting legacy. ... On behalf of the entire NFL, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jim's daughters and their families, and to his many friends throughout the NFL."

Irsay is survived by his daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, as well as his ex-wife and his daughters' mother, Meg Coyle, and 10 grandchildren.

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