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Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is receiving treatment for a severe respiratory illness, which led to his band canceling a scheduled gig this week, team officials confirmed in a statement obtained by the Associated Press.
“He is receiving excellent care and looks forward to returning to the stage as soon as possible,” the Colts said via the AP. “We’ll have no additional information at this time, and we ask that you respect the privacy of Jim and his family as he recovers.”
Irsay, 64, was scheduled to perform with The Jim Irsay Band in Los Angeles as part of his Jim Irsay Collection tour stop, which showcases unique sports memorabilia, musical instruments and other pop culture items collected by the billionaire. The announcement came three days after the Colts were eliminated from playoff contention following a 23-19 loss to the Houston Texans at LucasOil Stadium to conclude their 2023 season.
Irsay initially took over the Colts' day-to-day operations after his father, Robert, suffered a stroke in 1995 and won a legal battle with his stepmother, Nancy, to retain ownership of the franchise following his father's death in 1997. Robert Irsay initially purchased the Los Angeles Rams and swapped the then-Baltimore Colts with the late Carroll Rosenbloom, at which point Jim worked as a ballboy during Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas' playing career. Jim Irsay became the NFL's youngest general manager at the age of 25 following the team's relocation from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984.
The Colts have won one Super Bowl and two AFC titles, both of which came during Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning's 13 seasons at quarterback, since Irsay took over as team owner.