Tag: Jim Irsay

Oct 8, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis and part-owner Tom Brady talk before the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty during game one of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Tom Brady in line to be approved as part owner of Raiders

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After a lengthy delay due to concerns by other NFL owners about the potentially low price, it appears Tom Brady is on track to be approved as a part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, NFL Network reported on Sunday.

Brady’s contribution to the ownership group reportedly has been adjusted to line up with the Raiders’ market value and will be reviewed by the NFL’s Finance Committee when it meets in New York on March 4 or 5.

Brady initially came to an agreement with Raiders majority owner Mark Davis in May that would make the seven-time Super Bowl champion a minority owner of the NFL’s Las Vegas franchise with a 10 percent stake for a reported $175 million.

However, several owners, including Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, expressed concern that Brady’s initial investment did not match the Raiders’ market value, necessitating the adjustment, according to multiple reports earlier this week.

“We’re trying to work through,” Irsay said of the ongoing review of Brady’s deal. “The number just has to be a reasonable number for purchase price for Tom, is the only thing. If reasonable value says that 10 percent should be $525 million, you can’t pay $175 million.”

The Raiders were valued by Forbes at $6.2 billion in August.

A league spokesman told NFL Network on Saturday the “matter remains under review by the finance committee.”

Final approval of the former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star’s ownership could come during the NFL Annual League Meeting on March 24-27 in Orlando.

Brady already is part-owner of a sports team primarily owned by Davis. In March, Brady acquired a minority stake in the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces.

Regardless of what happens with his ownership attempts, Brady will be watching the upcoming NFL season from his position in the broadcast booth as Fox’s lead NFL analyst. He reportedly signed a 10-year, $375 million contract for the gig.

–Field Level Media

Nov 10, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks during a fan event at Chicago Meatpackers before an International Series game against the New England Patriots. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Colts owner Jim Irsay ‘on the mend’ after being hospitalized

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay took to social media Tuesday to reveal that his health is improving after he was hospitalized for a severe respiratory illness.

“On the mend. Grateful for all the messages of love and support,” Irsay wrote on Twitter.

The Colts released a statement on Jan. 9 saying Irsay was undergoing treatment for the illness.

On Dec. 8, per a police report, the 64-year-old was found unresponsive in his home in Carmel (Ind.), prompting emergency personnel to administer Narcan, which is commonly used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Irsay revealed during a November 2023 interview on HBO’s “Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” that he had battled addiction and nearly died from a previous overdose. He said he had been to rehab “at least 15 times.”

Irsay’s father, Robert Irsay, purchased the Baltimore franchise in 1972 and relocated it to Indianapolis in 1984. Jim Irsay was the general manager from 1984-86 before becoming the owner, chairman and CEO in 1997.

–Field Level Media

Nov 10, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks during a fan event at Chicago Meatpackers before an International Series game against the New England Patriots. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Police: Colts owner Jim Irsay treated for overdose

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indiana police responded to an emergency call at Colts owner Jim Irsay’s home last month for a suspected overdose, according to a FOX59 report.

Records obtained by the Indianapolis TV station said police responding to a Carmel, Ind., residence at 4:30 a.m. on Dec. 8 found Irsay unresponsive and having difficulty breathing.

“At this time, it is unknown what Mr. Irsay had ingested prior to our arrival,” an officer wrote in the report, which listed Irsay’s prescribed medications.

According to the report, measures taken by the police to revive the 64-year-old Irsay included a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.

On Jan. 9, the Colts released a statement saying that Irsay was being treated for a severe respiratory illness.

The team repeated that information on Wednesday.

“Mr. Irsay continues to recover from his respiratory illness,” read a Colts statement. “We will have no further comment on his personal health, and we continue to ask that Jim and his family’s privacy be respected.”

Irsay revealed during a November 2023 interview on HBO’s “Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” that he had battled addiction and nearly died from a previous overdose. He said he had been to rehab “at least 15 times.”

Irsay’s father, Robert Irsay, purchased the Baltimore franchise in 1972 and relocated it to Indianapolis in 1984. Jim Irsay was the general manager from 1984-86 before becoming the owner, chairman and CEO in 1997.

–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

Nov 10, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks during a fan event at Chicago Meatpackers before an International Series game against the New England Patriots. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Colts’ Jim Irsay blames 2014 arrest on police prejudice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said his 2014 arrest for driving under the influence was a result of police profiling him as a “rich, white billionaire.”

Irsay, 64, gave his view during a sit-down interview with Andrea Kremer on “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,” which aired Tuesday night.

“I am prejudiced against because I’m a rich, white billionaire,” Irsay said. “If I’m just the average guy down the block, they’re not pulling me in, of course not.”

When Kremer asked Irsay how he thought his comment would be received, the latter doubled down on his stance.

“I don’t care what it sounds like,” Irsay said. “It’s the truth. … I could give a damn what people think how anything sounds or sounds like. The truth is the truth, and I know the truth.”

Irsay pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated. When asked why he pleaded guilty if he felt he was being profiled, Irsay said he wanted to put the matter to bed.

Officers from The Carmel (Ind.) Police Department said Irsay had difficulty reciting the alphabet and failed other field sobriety tests after being pulled over in March 2014.

Irsay told HBO Sports that he failed the tests because he was just coming off hip surgery.

“The arrest was wrong,” he said. “I had just had hip surgery, and had been in the car for 45 minutes. And what — they asked me to walk the line? Are you kidding me? I can barely walk at all.”

The Carmel Police Department offered the following statement to the Indianapolis Star:

“We are very sorry to hear that comment about our officers and our department,” it read. “We have a very professional agency consisting of officers that strive to protect our community with integrity and professionalism.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 8, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) sits on the field with a shoulder injury during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Jim Irsay says Anthony Richardson ‘probably’ done for season

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is “probably” going to miss the remainder of the regular season due to an injury to his throwing shoulder, according to ESPN on Monday.

Richardson suffered an AC joint sprain in Week 5 during the Colts’ 23-16 win over the Titans. It was Richardson’s second injury of his young career; he sustained a concussion in Week 2.

The Colts have yet to determine whether the 21-year-old will undergo surgery. He was placed on injured reserve last week.

“The most likelihood is he’s probably going to be gone for the year,” Irsay said. “I mean, it’s not definite but (he) probably misses this year and we’re going to have to contend with that factor.”

The Colts (3-3) lost 37-20 to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, with Gardner Minshew going 33-for-55 for 329 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions for Indianapolis.

Richardson, this year’s fourth overall pick in the draft, completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 577 yards, three touchdowns and one interception over four starts to begin his career. He also picked up 136 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Colts RB Jonathan Taylor requests trade

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Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has formally requested a trade, NFL Network reported Saturday.

Taylor’s decision came following a meeting with Jim Irsay on the Colts owner’s bus, per the report.

Irsay addressed the meeting with his former league rushing champ Saturday, telling reporters, “I don’t need to clear the air but I just needed to remind him that no one treats his players better than this franchise.”

The reported trade request comes amid recent frustration among several of the league’s prominent running backs over the salary market at the position. Several notable free agent rushers — Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, Kareem Hunt and Leonard Fournette (all of whom will be 28 by the start of this season) — have struggled to find their desired salary figures and failed to be re-signed this offseason.

Taylor, 24, led the league in rushing yards (1,811), carries (332) and rushing touchdowns (18) during the 2021 season before tapering off a bit last year. He rushed for 861 yards on 192 carries in 11 games but found the end zone just four times on the ground. Taylor underwent minor ankle surgery in January after admitting he had battled a nagging injury for most of the season.

In three seasons with Indianapolis, Taylor has amassed 3,841 rushing yards and 33 TDs on 756 carries. He also has 104 receptions for 802 yards and three scores.

Zack Moss, Deon Jackson and rookie Evan Hull are slated to take over backfield duties should Taylor end up being dealt.

–Field Level Media

Oct 30, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks at a Ring of Honor induction ceremony for Tarik Glenn on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, during a game against the Washington Commanders at Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Max Gersh/IndyStar-USA TODAY Sports

Colts’ Jim Irsay claims RB take not ‘directed at’ Jonathan Taylor

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Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay claimed social media comments he made regarding the diminished market for NFL running backs were not directed at his team’s All-Pro back, Jonathan Taylor.

Irsay’s most recent comments on Thursday came one day after he took aim at Najee Harris following the Pittsburgh Steelers star saying the league’s top running backs were discussing the idea of altering the way salaries of franchise-tagged players are determined in a bid to make top-tier money. Irsay dismissed the notion, saying “some (a)gents are selling ‘bad faith.’”

Irsay’s comment drew the ire of Taylor’s agent Malki Kawa, who tweeted: “Bad faith is not paying your top offensive player.”

“The comment wasn’t really directed at Jonathan,” Irsay told ESPN. “We haven’t exchanged any contract numbers with each other or anything like that. So, it’s not like we’re in the midst of that. I think we had a tough season last year. Didn’t win a lot of games. This is a year about coming back together and having a great year and we’re really depending on Jonathan to team up with (quarterback) Anthony Richardson to try and pull together to have a great year.”

Taylor, 24. is entering the final season of his four-year rookie contract.

He has rushed for 3,841 yards in his career — including a league-leading 1,811 in 2021, when he was selected to the All-Pro team.

Taylor has a career 4,643 yards from scrimmage to go with 36 touchdowns since being selected by the Colts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Andrew Luck makes an appearance on the field before the start of the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Alabama Crimson Tide Versus Georgia Bulldogs On Monday Jan 10 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship At Lucas Oil Stadium In Indianapolis

Colts owner issues tampering warning over Andrew Luck

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Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay took to social media to issue a warning to other NFL teams — hands off Andrew Luck.

Irsay issued the tampering warning in the wake of a story published Saturday that the Washington Commanders in 2022 made attempts to gauge the quarterback’s interest in returning to action.

“If any NFL Team, attempted to contact Andrew Luck (or any associate of him)… to play for their Franchise — it would be a clear Violation of the League’s Tampering Policy,” Irsay posted to Twitter on Sunday night.

Luck, 33, shockingly retired ahead of the 2019 season with three years remaining on his contract. He was 29 at the time. The Colts still own his rights should he return to the NFL, something he has insisted he would never do.

Luck was born in Washington, D.C.

–Field Level Media

Oct 30, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks at a Ring of Honor induction ceremony for Tarik Glenn on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, during a game against the Washington Commanders at Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Max Gersh/IndyStar-USA TODAY Sports

Colts owner Jim Irsay tips off team’s plans at QB

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The Indianapolis Colts are apparently planning on drafting a quarterback.

So says Colts owner Jim Irsay, who during the course of introducing new head coach Shane Steichen on Tuesday, appeared to spill the beans that they’ll find their next QB in the draft.

Stand down Jimmy Garoppolo and Derek Carr et al.

Irsay was answering a question, in length, about how he knew Steichen was the right choice to lead the Colts.

“Offense, in my mind, is a little more complex and takes a little longer to develop, but knowing we’re going to have to find a young quarterback to develop, that’s a key factor,” Irsay said, in part.

The Colts pick fourth in the upcoming draft. The Chicago Bears, holding the No. 1 pick, are not likely to draft a QB. Neither are the Arizona Cardinals, who draft third and have a franchise QB in Kyler Murray.

The Houston Texans will certainly be drafting a QB at No. 2, and all signs point to Alabama QB Bryce Young.

“The Alabama guy doesn’t look bad,” Irsay would say a little later in the press conference.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard said last month he would “do whatever it takes” to trade up and get the QB they want. Ohio State’s CJ Stroud is the top QB on some big board rankings, with Kentucky signal caller Will Levis expected to be the third QB taken.

The Colts are still struggling to land on their heir apparent to Andrew Luck, who abruptly retired after the 2018 season. They have trotted out Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan, unsuccessfully, ever since.

–Field Level Media