Irsay's daughters remember him: "A man defined by his resilience and deep love for family."

Jim Irsay, the influential owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has passed away at the age of 65, leaving a complex legacy marked by both success and personal struggle.

Why it matters: Irsay's impact on the NFL extends beyond the Colts' on-field performance; his openness about addiction and mental health challenges sparked important conversations across sports and society. His death marks not only the end of an era for the Colts but also a poignant reminder of the struggles many face with substance abuse.

Irsay's journey with addiction was well-documented, with reports indicating he suffered from long-term painkiller dependency. His struggles intensified in recent years, including multiple overdoses that brought significant media attention to his condition.

• He had been absent from team activities for months due to respiratory issues, which coincided with his ongoing battle with addiction.
• In his final months, Irsay was prescribed ketamine, a drug typically used as an anesthetic, further complicating his health narrative.

What’s new: The Colts announced Irsay's passing on May 21, 2024, describing that he "died peacefully in his sleep" in a Beverly Hills hotel room, where police were called after his death. This tragic event comes just weeks before the team is set to honor him in their ring of honor during the season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 7.

Yes, but: While Irsay's contributions to the Colts are notable, his legacy is bittersweet due to his battle with addiction.

• His daughters poignantly reflected on their father's resilience, emphasizing his advocacy for mental health and addiction recovery. They stated, "He never claimed to be perfect... Instead, he used his voice to reduce stigma and advocate for those facing similar challenges."

The big picture: Irsay's life story illustrates the complexities of leadership in professional sports, highlighting the duality of public success and private turmoil.

• As the youngest general manager in NFL history, Irsay helped shape modern football in Indianapolis after taking over ownership from his father in 1997.
• His tenure saw the Colts win Super Bowl XLI and foster legendary players like Peyton Manning.

What to watch: In the wake of Irsay's death, the Colts will need to navigate the emotional landscape of honoring his legacy while continuing to build the franchise's future.

• How the team integrates this loss into their culture and operations could influence their performance in the upcoming season.

The bottom line: Jim Irsay leaves behind a multifaceted legacy defined not only by his successes as a team owner but also by his courageous fight against personal demons. His experiences resonate far beyond the football field, serving as a pertinent reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in addressing mental health and addiction issues.