James Irsay, born June 13, 1959, is an American businessman and the principal owner, chairman, and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL).
He is the son of Robert Irsay (1923–1997), who purchased the Baltimore franchise in 1972 for $12 million and relocated it to Indianapolis in 1984. James Irsay served as the team’s general manager from 1984 to 1996, playing a key role in shaping the franchise.
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Jim Irsay Net Worth
Jim Irsay, with a net worth of $4 billion, is renowned for his music and pop culture memorabilia collection. Highlights include the “On the Road” manuscript by Jack Kerouac, Jerry Garcia’s “Tiger” guitar, Prince’s “Yellow Cloud” guitar, and Beatles memorabilia like the Ed Sullivan Show drumhead and John Lennon’s Gibson J-160E guitar.
Irsay once declined a $1.15 billion offer for the collection, stating it is priceless and not an investment, emphasizing his passion for preserving cultural history over financial gain.
Early life
James Irsay was born in Lincolnwood, Illinois, to Harriet (née Pogorzelski) and Robert Irsay, a Chicago businessman of Hungarian Jewish descent, while his mother was of Polish Catholic heritage. Raised Catholic, James learned of his father’s Jewish roots at age 14. He had two siblings: Thomas, who had a mental disability and died in 1999, and Roberta, who died in a 1971 car accident.
Irsay graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1982 with a broadcast journalism degree, played linebacker, and later pursued boxing, golf, and weightlifting.
Career
Jim Irsay, at age 12, joined the Baltimore Colts after his father, Robert Irsay, acquired the team by swapping the Los Angeles Rams. He worked as a ball boy and in the ticket office before joining the Colts’ staff in 1982. Named vice president and general manager in 1984 at 24, he became the youngest NFL GM.
After Robert’s 1995 stroke, Irsay assumed control, and in 1997, at 37, became the youngest NFL owner. Under Irsay, the Colts won Super Bowl XLI and produced Hall of Fame legends.
Personal life
Jim Irsay married Meg Coyle in 1980, having three daughters—Carlie, Casey, and Kalen—and 10 grandchildren. Separated since 2003, Meg filed for divorce in 2013. In March 2014, Irsay was arrested for DUI and drug possession in Carmel, Indiana, with prescription drugs and $29,000 in his car.
Pleading to misdemeanors, he entered rehab while daughter Carlie managed the Colts. The NFL suspended him six games and fined him $500,000. In 2024, Irsay was hospitalized after being found unresponsive at home.
How many guitars does Jim Irsay have?
Jim Irsay’s music collection includes over 200 guitars, many once owned by legendary musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend, Prince, Lou Reed, Eddie Van Halen, Johnny Cash, Les Paul, U2’s The Edge, Walter Becker of Steely Dan, Neal Schon of Journey, and John McVie of Fleetwood Mac.
Conclusion
Jim Irsay’s journey from inheriting the Colts to becoming a major NFL team owner and a billionaire is a story of passion, strategic business decisions, and a deep connection to professional football. His lifestyle choices and interests, including his impressive guitar collection, add unique dimensions to his persona.
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FAQs about Jim Irsay
- What is Jim Irsay’s role with the Indianapolis Colts? – He is the owner and actively involved in the team’s management.
- How did Jim Irsay acquire the Colts? – He inherited the team from his father, Robert Irsay.
- What are some of Jim Irsay’s notable investments outside football? – His most notable investment is his guitar collection, valued at over $1 billion.
- Has Jim Irsay made any significant contributions to music? – Yes, through his band and guitar collection, he has contributed significantly to the music world.
- What impact has Jim Irsay had on the NFL? – Irsay has been influential in the league, both through the Colts’ on-field success and his involvement in various NFL committees and initiatives.
