The Indianapolis Colts announced that owner Jim Irsay is being treated for “a severe respiratory illness.”
Per a team statement, via The Athletic’s James Boyd, Irsay will no longer perform with his band this week in Los Angeles.
“He is receiving excellent care and looks forward to returning to the stage as soon as possible,” the statement said. “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.”
#Colts statement on Jim Irsay, who is currently being treated for “a severe respiratory illness”: pic.twitter.com/4umjq9o1oo
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 9, 2024
Irsay became the NFL’s youngest owner when taking over control of the Colts from his late father in 1997 at age 37. The following year, Indianapolis drafted Peyton Manning with the No. 1 pick.
The Colts made the playoffs all but one time from 1999 to 2010. Manning and Tony Dungy led them to a Super Bowl title during the 2006 season, and they won the AFC three years later.
Andrew Luck promptly stepped into Manning’s place, but Irsay has overseen a revolving door of quarterbacks since Luck’s sudden retirement. The Colts went 4-12-1 during a 2022 season in which Irsay hired former center Jeff Saturday without any coaching experience.
Indianapolis finished this season 9-8 behind Shane Steichen, narrowly missing the playoffs after a Week 18 loss to the Houston Texans.
The Jim Irsay Collection showcases a traveling museum of music memorabilia and artifacts while inviting famous artists to join him on stage. His band is scheduled to play a free show Thursday night at The Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall.