The date of May 21, 2025, will be etched in the annals of Indiana sports, marking the untimely passing of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay at the age of 65.
In a poignant moment, Irsay’s final words expressed encouragement for the Pacers, who were engaged in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on the night he died.
Jim Irsay’s final tweet: https://t.co/QqinxNsx59
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 22, 2025
That night, the Pacers achieved a stunning 138-135 comeback victory, a feat many fans attribute to Irsay’s inspiration.
THE PACERS WON TONIGHT IN HONOR OF THE LATE GREAT JIM IRSAY.
🥹🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/XGODHKraap
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 22, 2025
THE PACERS MOUNT an EPIC COMEBACK (again) to WIN GAME 1 of the ECF in OT 🔥
Down 17 with 6:46 left in regulation.
Down 14 with 2:40 left in regulation.
Down 9 with 52 seconds remaining.
13 PTS in OT.Aaron Nesmith with 6 three-pointers & Tyrese Haliburton with another clutch shot 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NBWNhphPMl
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2025
WHAT THE HALIBURTON 😱
THE SHOT TO SEND IT TO OT AND LEAD TO THE PACERS’ DUB🔥 pic.twitter.com/NOlFXMfM1A
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 22, 2025
After the game’s tip-off, Pacers owner Herb Simon and the organization’s leadership shared a heartfelt tribute to Irsay:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Jim Irsay. Jim took the time today to cheer us on – he was more than the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, he was a transformative figure in our city and state, a passionate advocate for the community, and someone whose generosity, vision, and spirit touched countless lives. Jim helped shape our city into the sports capital it is today, and his legacy, both on and off the field, will continue to inspire us and generations to come.”
Pacers Sports & Entertainment Owner Herb Simon and the Simon Family on the passing of beloved Indianapolis Colts Owner & CEO Jim Irsay. pic.twitter.com/iYIp6EyljX
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 22, 2025
The Pacers not only made history by being the first team to overcome a 9-point deficit with just a minute left in a playoff game, but they also showed that late-game miracles were not new to them.
HOW ON EARTH DID THE PACERS WIN THIS GAME 😭 pic.twitter.com/8MH1ZFhcsJ
— br_betting (@br_betting) May 22, 2025
In the current playoffs, the Indiana team has made three exceptional comebacks from being down by 7 or more in the final minute, including victories against the Bucks and the Cavaliers.
Historically, NBA teams since the 1996-97 season have a dismal record of 4 wins and 1,702 losses when trailing by such margins in playoff games.
since 1996-97, teams that have trailed by 7+ in the final 50 seconds of the fourth quarter or OT in the playoffs are 4-1,702.
we have 3 of those wins, and they’re all this year. pic.twitter.com/AShNS6FAWw
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 22, 2025
The spirit of Jim Irsay led the Pacers to victory tonight. No other theory makes sense. https://t.co/xjEhelSYlb
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) May 22, 2025
Remembering Jim Irsay (1959-2025)
Irsay’s passing comes after he reportedly struggled with a “severe respiratory illness,” according to prior statements from the Colts.
Throughout his tenure as owner since 1997, Irsay openly battled addiction, reportedly attending rehab over fifteen times. His struggles inspired initiatives like the “kicking the stigma” campaign, which raised $31 million for mental health awareness in Indiana and beyond.
Under Irsay’s leadership, the Colts reached two Super Bowls, including a victory in Super Bowl XLI against the Chicago Bears in the 2006 season.
Former players, including ESPN analyst and ex-Colts punter Pat McAfee, expressed deep sorrow at Irsay’s passing, emphasizing his generous spirit and relatable nature.
This is devastating..
Jim had friendships with a lot of his former players.. I was lucky to be one of them.
Playing for a team that Mr Irsay ran was an honor. He was funny, brilliant, unique, and somehow still wildly relatable for a man who became the sole owner of an NFL team… https://t.co/9dOUFziJJe pic.twitter.com/sVOT49ne3D
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 22, 2025
Peyton Manning, often regarded as the greatest player in Colts history, also shared his grief: “I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay’s passing. 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. 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.”
Jim Irsay’s connection to his players was unmatched. Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison, and Dwight Freeney all chose Irsay to present them at the Pro Football Hall of Fame — a role typically given for family members, coaches, or lifelong mentors. That kind of trust and respect says… https://t.co/OTIkHq5SEs pic.twitter.com/WD0DsW2bUB
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 22, 2025
