Peyton Manning Opens Up About Shocking Loss: Inside His Heartbreaking Reaction to Jim Irsay’s Passing

The news hit like a lightning bolt—Jim Irsay, the man who steered the Indianapolis Colts for decades, has passed away at just 65. It’s the end of an era, no doubt. And from the echo of that silence, the voices of those whose lives he changed have started ringing out. None more poignant than Peyton Manning’s, the quarterback handpicked first overall in the 1998 draft by Irsay himself—a choice that didn’t just shape a career but altered the landscape of the NFL. Peyton’s tribute treads that fine line between gratitude and heartbreak, reflecting on a man whose fiery passion for the Colts and the city of Indianapolis wasn’t just talk but lived every single day. For 14 seasons, Manning carried the torch, leading those Colts teams into the spotlight, culminating in that unforgettable 2006 Super Bowl victory. It’s a legacy tangled up with memories and milestones, and one that’ll linger long after the final whistle has blown. LEARN MORE

Manning spent 14 seasons with the Colts. The Colts were high-level contenders for most of his time with the team. They won the Super Bowl to cap the 2006 season.“His impact on the players who played for him will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone in the Colts community. He will be missed. Jim, rest in peace my friend.”“I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay’s passing,” Manning said on Instagram. “He was an incredibly generous and passionate owner and I will always be indebted to him for giving me my start in the NFL. His love for the Colts and the city of Indy was unmatched.Many tributes will emerge in the aftermath of the stunning passing of Colts owner Jim Irsay at the age of 65. His most important draft pick, quarterback Peyton Manning, has issued a statement remembering the man who made him the first overall pick in 1998.