Tag: Irsay

Report: FBI probing doctor involved with late Colts owner Jim Irsay

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Federal investigators have launched an investigation into the treatment and death of former Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, according to the Washington Post on Thursday.

Irsay passed away at 65 years old last May.

The FBI issued a federal grand jury subpoena earlier this month seeking records related to Irsay’s death, his alleged use of ketamine and prescription drugs and his relationship with Dr. Harry Haroutunian, a California-based addiction specialist who treated him before his death, according to The Washington Post.

No official autopsy was performed on Irsay; however, Haroutunian had signed Irsay’s death certificate, claiming the owner passed away due to cardiac arrest caused by acute pneumonia.

“I do understand that there have been some subpoenas issued, but not to me, the Colts or any of our current employees,” Colts chief legal officer Dan Emerson told the Washington Post on Thursday.

The Washington Post also published a detailed report in August 2025 claiming that Irsay had not only relapsed through his addiction, but overdosed multiple times over the last five years of his life.

Haroutunian has had connections to other high-profile celebrity’s recovery journeys in the past, including Steven Tyler, the lead singer of band Aerosmith. Tyler credited Haroutunian for helping him recapture his life of sobriety, and even wrote the foreword for Haroutunian’s book “Being Sober,” which was published in August 2013.

Irsay acquired full ownership rights of the Colts in 1997 shortly after the passing of his father, Robert Irsay. He became the youngest owner of an NFL franchise at just 37 years old. His teams went on to win 258 games, 10 division titles and one Super Bowl victory (XLI) in two appearances.

The franchise is now operated by his three daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson since last June.

–Field Level Media

Peyton Manning and Edgerrin James stand with Jim Irsay after receiving their hall of fame rings Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, during halftime of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Colts dedicate season to late owner Jim Irsay, city

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The Indianapolis Colts are dedicating the 2025 season to their late owner, Jim Irsay, and to the city the team has called home since 1984.

The Colts released a trailer to kick off the season on Sunday, narrated by franchise legend Edgerrin James, that remembered Irsay. He died at age 65 on May 21.

“This season hits different,” James says in his opening remarks. “The big man ain’t walking through that tunnel. Big man, you gave your heart to this city. Now it’s on us to carry the weight, to carry your name, to carry your legacy.”

The video shows city skyscapes, game action and Irsay cradling the Super Bowl trophy won following the 2006 season.

At age 24, Irsay was named general manager of the Colts when they relocated from Baltimore. He took over ownership of the team when his father, Robert Irsay, died in 1997.

“It started with one man,” James says of Irsay, “but this ain’t about one man. It’s about all of us. … This is foundation. A foundation built by the big man.

“This season. For the city. For the boss. For the (horse) shoe.”

The Colts open the season at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 7, and will be inducting Irsay into the team’s ring of honor during the game. Irsay’s three daughters have taken over management of the team.

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay sits in a golf cart during a Ring of Honor ceremony for Dallas Clark during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Report: Colts hid late owner Jim Irsay’s drug relapse

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Over the final two years of Jim Irsay’s life, the late Indianapolis Colts owner and the team repeatedly hid his drug relapse from the public, the Washington Post reported Thursday.

Irsay, who died at age 65 on May 21, was under the care of a “luxury” recovery doctor at the time of his passing who prescribed him opioids and ketamine, according to the newspaper’s investigation.

This physician signed Irsay’s death certificate with cardiac arrest listed as the cause. No autopsy or toxicology tests were performed.

The Post interviewed five people with direct knowledge of Irsay’s relapse, including four who said they witnessed him receiving ketamine injections. The report found that Irsay suffered three overdoses in the last five years: in Turks and Caicos in February 2020; at his home near Indianapolis in December of 2023; at a Miami resort 12 days later.

The findings contradict the public explanations the Colts and Irsay provided to explain his rapidly declining health.

After the incident at his home, Irsay disputed the police report’s description of the event as an overdose. After the Florida overdose resulted in a four-month hospital stay, the team said he was being treated for severe respiratory illness and Irsay said he was recovering from back surgery.

The sources spoke to the newspaper on condition of anonymity, expressing fear of retaliation by the Colts.

The NFL team is now owned by Irsay’s three daughters, who declined to be interviewed for the story and released a statement requesting privacy.

“Our Dad was open about his battles with addiction and mental health. He never claimed to be perfect,” Colts co-owners Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson wrote. “The media is not the place to address inquiries about information which is disputed, lacks essential context, or involves private medical matters.”

The physician at the center of the Post’s inquiry, California-based addiction specialist Harry Haroutunian, supplied the drugs that fueled Irsay’s addiction, per the report.

“I dedicated 18 months of my life to try to care for him … as a brother,” Haroutunian said in a statement to the Post. “We did everything we could to make him as comfortable as possible.”

The Colts will induct their late owner and CEO into their Ring of Honor during the Sept. 7 season opener against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Under Irsay’s involvement with the franchise from 1984-2024, the Colts went 316-294-1 in the regular season and 13-16 in the playoffs with a victory in Super Bowl XLI.

–Field Level Media

Sep 24, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Indianapolis Colts vice chair and co-owner Carlie Irsay stands on the sidelines during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Reports: Eldest daughter of Jim Irsay to claim operations role with Colts

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was a hands-on decision-maker from the highest seat in the team’s operation after learning under his father.

Now one of Irsay’s children might follow a similar path to lead the Colts following her father’s death.

Irsay died at 65 on Wednesday and is survived by three children. His eldest daughter, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, listed by the team as vice chair and co-owner, reportedly will take on an expanded role with the franchise, according to multiple reports.

Irsay was the son of Robert Irsay, who grew his fortune as a heating and air conditioning contractor. He bought the Los Angeles Rams for $19 million in 1972, then swapped them the Baltimore Colts, moving them to Indianapolis in 1984.

Two years out of college, Jim Irsay became the team’s general manager. He held the position until taking over as owner, chairman and CEO of the Colts in 1997 when his father died.

Irsay-Gordon, 44, served as an intern for the Colts and is a member of multiple league committees. She has attended owners meetings and tended to official league business at her father’s side — and independently on behalf of ownership — since 2004.

She and her siblings — Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson — were named as vice chair/co-owners of the Colts in 2012. Irsay-Gordon has been heavily involved in the business side of the team since then and in the past several years continued to take on more responsibility in other areas of the organization.

Former Colts general manager Ryan Grigson, who was in place when the Colts released Peyton Manning and drafted Andrew Luck No. 1 overall, publicly praised Irsay-Gordon’s football instincts and knowledge. She filled in when Jim Irsay was suspended for six games by the NFL in 2014. The suspension came after he entered a guilty plea to DUI charges.

–Field Level Media

Colts owner Jim Irsay is being treated for a severe respiratory illness, the team said Tuesday.

Colts owner Jim Irsay being treated for ‘severe respiratory illness’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is being treated for a severe respiratory illness, the team said in a statement Tuesday.

It was not known if Irsay, 64, was hospitalized or recovering at his home.

“Jim Irsay is currently being treated for a severe respiratory illness. While this unfortunately means he won’t be able to 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.”

The Irsay Collection event, a free concert set for Thursday at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, is a showcase of Irsay’s personal treasure trove of music artifacts collected over several decades. Irsay performed with his band and displayed rare and high-priced instruments in the collection at three live shows in 2023 — a season kickoff event at Lucas Oil Stadium in September and shows in Boston and Las Vegas.

The Colts, who were 4-12-1 in 2022, finished the 2023 season with a 9-8 record and were eliminated from playoff contention with a Week 18 loss to the Houston Texans.

Irsay was in attendance for that Jan. 6 game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

–Field Level Media

Mar 1, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Colts GM downplays desire to deal for No. 1 pick

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Carousel is not a winning plan at quarterback, that much the Indianapolis Colts have proven since Andrew Luck retired before the 2019 season.

But general manager Chris Ballard denied the Colts’ need to move up from the No. 4 overall pick to find a long-term solution at the position, especially if it means a deal for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft.

“Everybody has already stamped that you have to move up to No. 1 to get the guy. I don’t know I believe that,” said Ballard, whose trades for Carson Wentz (2021) and Matt Ryan (2022) flopped, sparking a coaching change last season and mandate from owner Jim Irsay to get it right this time.

“There’s got to be a guy worthy of it.”

Since Ballard became general manager in 2017, single-season stopgaps at quarterback haven’t held up with the exception of Philip Rivers, who followed Jacoby Brissett (2019).

Ballard has used 53 total draft picks and selected just two quarterbacks — Texas’ Sam Ehlinger was the 218th pick in the 2021 draft and Jacob Eason was selected 122nd overall in the 2020 draft after spending time at Georgia and Washington — and has a tendency to seek value in free agency and stockpile extra selections in the draft.

At coach Shane Steichen’s introductory press conference, Irsay sounded more than enamored with Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. Young won the Heisman Trophy in 2021, but at 6-foot, 194 pounds, his height and weight are question marks.

“Do we stay put? Do we trade up? There’s really many things we can do,” Irsay said. “The Alabama guy doesn’t look bad, I’ll tell ya.”

Ballard said winning quarterbacks come in all shapes and sizes. The Bears draft first and appear intent on dealing the pick to a team desperate for a fix at quarterback. The Houston Texans have the second pick and head coach DeMeco Ryans said Thursday the franchise “must add” a quarterback. Arizona has Kyler Murray at quarterback and the Cardinals pick third overall, meaning only one of the teams in the current top three needs a passer.

In addition to Young, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson are viewed as likely first-round picks.

Ballard asked rhetorically, “Who’s to say that we won’t get a good quarterback at 4?”

He was then questioned about what it would take to entice him to make the offer to the Bears to make the jump to No. 1.

“That we were just convicted. That this is no freaking doubt the guy,” Ballard said.

Ballard hired Steichen, offensive coordinator of the Eagles, as head coach in February. Steichen helped mold Jalen Hurts from second-round pick to MVP candidate in Philadelphia. Ballard said their success is a study in finding the right fit.

“The accuracy is one of the biggest things,” Steichen said. “I think when it’s third-and-8 and you’ve got to have it, you’ve got to be able to stand in the pocket and deliver a strike with a guy barreling down your chest. That says a lot about a guy’s toughness. I look for that on tape. The vetting process of it, the physical process, guys come in different shapes and sizes. We’ve seen Hall of Famers that are 6-foot, we’ve seen Hall of Famers that are 6-5. Again, it’s that “it” factor.”

–Field Level Media

Colts owner Jim Irsay smiles on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, during a press conference at the Colts headquarters in Indianapolis.

Jim Irsay: Days, not hours from Colts naming coach

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Exactly three months after the Indianapolis Colts fired coach Frank Reich, team owner Jim Irsay is still in no hurry to find a permanent replacement.

Irsay posted Tuesday on Twitter, “We said, as an Organization (Colts) … The Coaching search would be a open minded and a thorough process … and the final decision would be strictly based on, what is best for our Franchise’s success and best for our Fans, of Colts Nation. Final decision coming in Days not Hours”

Reich was ousted after the Colts got off to a 3-5-1 start, and Irsay brought in television analyst (and former Indianapolis center) Jeff Saturday as the interim head coach. The Colts got a win in Saturday’s first game, against the Las Vegas Raiders, then dropped the last seven of the season to finish 4-12-1.

According to various media reports, the Colts’ list of coaching candidates includes Saturday, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, Green Bay Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.

The only other NFL team with a head-coaching vacancy is the Arizona Cardinals. Reich landed the top job with the Carolina Panthers, and the Denver Broncos (Sean Payton) and Houston Texans (DeMeco Ryans) also have hired new head coaches since the regular season ended.

The Colts have reached the playoffs just twice in the past eight seasons, getting ousted in the divisional round after the 2018 season and falling in a wild-card game after the 2020 campaign.

–Field Level Media

Nov 13, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Jeff Saturday before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Fritz Pollard Alliance probing Colts hire of Jeff Saturday

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NFL interim coach promotions are not subject to the diversity-driven Rooney Rule, but the Fritz Pollard Alliance formally opened an inquiry into the Indianapolis Colts’ decision to replace Frank Reich with former player Jeff Saturday.

“In light of the recent interim head coaching hire in Indianapolis, the FPA has initiated an inquiry with the NFL into whether this hiring process conformed with NFL Hiring Guidelines for naming an interim Head Coach,” a statement from the organization said.

Hiring guidelines for NFL head coaches demand two minority candidates receive formal interviews for the vacancy. That is not the case for interim coaches, whether promoted from the existing coaching staff or the more uncommon path taken by owner Jim Irsay in pulling Saturday from a studio seat at ESPN.

Irsay said at the press conference to introduce Saturday that the only problem was media “make it a problem or perception.”

Saturday’s only coaching experience was at the high school level. One former Saturday teammate, receivers coach Reggie Wayne, was on Reich’s coaching staff but said he wasn’t considered for the interim post.

Wayne said this week he wouldn’t have accepted Reich’s offer to be an assistant coach after three years of pestering had he known how it all would end. Wayne said if the Colts had offered him the job over Saturday, a teammate for a decade in Indy, he would have taken it.

“(Expletive) yeah,” Wayne said.

Irsay said the commitment between the Colts and Saturday would not change plans to follow a full review and interview process for the permanent position in the offseason.

“At the end of the season, there will be a full process of reviewing permanent head coach, which we will have an interview process for and go from there. This is for eight games and hopefully more,” he said.

–Field Level Media

Oct 30, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich on the sideline in the second half against the Washington Commanders at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Frank Reich dealing with ‘hurt’ of Colts’ in-season firing

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Frank Reich plans to answer the phone and keep his options open while dealing with the painful reality of being fired by the Indianapolis Colts.

Fired Monday five seasons into his tenure in Indianapolis, Reich said he shifted to the role of grandfather and plans to embrace the opportunity for family time the rest of the season.

“It hurts. It hurts to have it happen in the middle of the season,” Reich told CBS4 in Indianapolis. “But I understand the business side of things. I have a tremendous amount of respect for (team owner) Mr. (Jim) Irsay and I’ve come to trust his instincts and his knowledge of the game. I just know he’s doing what he thinks is best for the team. I can live with that. I gave my heart and soul to the job, to the guys, to everything I did there. I didn’t take anything for granted.”

Irsay fired Reich and tapped team consultant and ESPN analyst Jeff Saturday to be interim head coach. Saturday played center for the Colts during Peyton Manning’s prime and has coached high school football. He has never been an NFL head coach.

Reich was 3-5-1 this season, and the Colts changed quarterbacks yet again — from offseason acquisition Matt Ryan to Sam Ehlinger — only to lose consecutive games. They managed three points in the Week 9 loss at New England that proved the final straw.

When he was introduced in a joint press conference with general manager Chris Ballard and Irsay, Reich said he had clear goals — winning the AFC South and winning the Super Bowl. That was when franchise quarterback Andrew Luck was also in the picture.

Luck retired, and the Colts have perpetually spun the carousel at the position each season to install a different starter every year since Luck walked away. Despite the constant churn behind center, Reich had a 41-35-1 record, including 1-2 in the postseason.

“You have mixed emotions. You feel like, ‘OK, there were different circumstances and dynamics and challenges that you faced.’ But as a coach and as a player and as a competitor, you say, ‘That doesn’t matter. We’ve still gotta obtain our goals,’” Reich said. “When Mr. Irsay and Chris (Ballard) hired me, I had no misrepresentations. Those were the expectations.”

Reich, 60, said he is keeping his options open.

“Obviously, my desire is to be a head coach. I love the game,” he said. “I love everything about the game, so you keep all of your options open.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 25, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team owner Dan Snyder (L) talks with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (R) on the field during warm ups prior to their game at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Irsay: ‘Merit’ to remove Dan Snyder as Commanders owner

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Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder was not in attendance in lower Manhattan on Tuesday, but he wasn’t exactly out of mind at the NFL’s annual fall meeting.

Days after an ESPN report cited a claim from the owner that he has “dirt” on several NFL owners, Snyder’s status was not on the agenda at the meetings. But an NFL source confirmed to Field Level Media that a “closed session” to end the meeting was expected to include open dialogue about several matters related to the owner of the Washington franchise.

While Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he still supported Snyder, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said he believes there is “merit” for owners to remove Snyder as Commanders owner.

“He can investigate me till the cows come home, it’s not going to back me off,” the notoriously rebellious Irsay said Tuesday.

No NFL owner has been voted out of the league, but there are parameters in place for removal if 24 fellow owners cast votes supporting the action.

Snyder’s wife, Tanya, represented the team in New York and has been in charge of day-to-day operations since investigator Beth Wilkinson began working on reviewing claims of a toxic workplace culture. Wilkinson’s report from 2021 has not been fully released.

In the ESPN report, a former employee of the Washington franchise alleged Snyder compiled “dossiers” on NFL owners using private investigators. His attorneys, John Brownlee and Stuart Nash, partners at Holland & Knight, called the claims “categorically untrue.”

Snyder has been at the center of multiple controversies but is not permitted to represent the Commanders until a face-to-face meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell takes place.

Also absent Tuesday was Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, who is not allowed to attend a league meeting until March 2023 under the terms of his suspension for tampering violations involving Tom Brady and Sean Payton. Ross’ access to the team facility was reinstated on Monday.

–Discussions around controversial penalties for roughing the passer were plentiful at the fall meeting.

But the league won’t make any changes to the rules in the wake of rising attention.

NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said the topic brought a “healthy, lively” conversation among owners. Rules application and changes fall under the umbrella of the competition committee, which did not meet Tuesday.

Vincent said the purpose of the enforcement of roughing the passer is to be “safer” and not “softer,” as some fans — and even broadcaster Troy Aikman — have insinuated.

No changes to the rules have been suggested by the committee and, at this time, the chair of the committee said roughing penalties are down appreciably. Rich McKay, president and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons, said only 38 flags for roughing the quarterback have been thrown to date this season as compared to 52 last season and 43 in 2020 through six weeks.

“Everyone knows if your quarterback is not healthy, you don’t have a chance to win,” Vincent said. “We’re not changing the philosophy around that call. … We’re not going to back off of protecting the quarterback.”

Aikman called out officials and suggested “we all take the dresses off” while analyzing a play during “Monday Night Football” that ended with a flag for roughing on Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones. Jones planted Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr on what appeared to be a run-of-the-mill sack. Jones’ play came in Week 6, which was also marred by a roughing penalty on Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett on a takedown of Tom Brady.

“Look at roughing the passer as a league, like they did pass interference a couple years ago, where we can review pass interference, I think that’s the next step we have to take in the league for all these roughing the passers,” Jones said after the Week 6 game.

McKay said Tuesday the competition committee does plan to discuss the calls and concern that there is a cloak of protection for quarterbacks that doesn’t exist for other players in the NFL. However, he said he is against making “subjective fouls” reviewable after what he classified as a failed experiment with pass interference.

–Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Ariz., will be played Feb. 12, 2023, and the league advanced plans for the event to return to all “pre-COVID structure,” according to Peter O’Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President of Club Business.

O’Reilly said at the meetings Tuesday that the pre-pandemic staples such as Opening Night media sessions and Goodell’s “State of the NFL” address would return.

–Field Level Media