Longtime Colts star Reggie Wayne chokes back tears as he recounts the memory of late owner Jim Irsay: "He possessed an enormous heart."
Indianapolis Colts Wide Receivers Coach Reggie Wayne Mourns Passing of Team Owner Jim Irsay
Reggie Wayne, a decorated wide receiver and current coach for the Indianapolis Colts, demonstrated visible emotion as he addressed the media following the death of team owner Jim Irsay. Wayne, a six-time Pro Bowler and key player on the Super Bowl XLI-winning team, described Irsay as a genuine family figure.
"It's like losing a family member. There were times that I felt like he treated me like one of his sons even though he didn't have any," a teary-eyed Wayne said as he opened up about his relationship with the late owner.
Irsay, who gained fame as a young ball boy for his father's team in 1972 and eventually became the youngest team owner in the NFL at 37, cemented his legacy as a compassionate and caring figure within the organization. His influence extended beyond on-field success, fostering a culture of loyalty and resilience among players and staff.
Current Colts head coach Shane Steichen, along with many players, seek to honor Irsay's memory by performing to the best of their abilities this season. "We want to win for Jim this year," Steichen stated, echoing the sentiments of his team.
Other NFL stars, such as Peyton Manning and Pat McAfee, also paid tribute to Irsay, underscoring the respect and affection he commanded within the sport.
Wayne played his entire 14-year career with the Colts, after being drafted out of the University of Miami with the 30th overall pick in 2001. He was a three-time All-Pro and currently ranks second in franchise history for most receiving records behind Marvin Harrison. Following his retirement, Wayne returned to the Colts as an assistant coach in 2022.
The Indianapolis Colts organization continues to pay tribute to Jim Irsay, honoring his lasting impact on football and the community.
The loss of Jim Irsay is deeply felt by the Indianapolis Colts family, with Reggie Wayne likening it to losing a family member. As a son-like figure to Wayne, Irsay's influence extended beyond football, fostering a culture of loyalty and resilience within the organization. This season, the team aims to honor Irsay's memory by giving their best performances on the field, just as stars like Peyton Manning and Pat McAfee did in paying tribute to him.
