[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 122 (Wednesday, July 16, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H3325]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING JIM IRSAY

  (Mrs. Spartz of Indiana was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mrs. SPARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Jim Irsay, 
longtime owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts.
  Mr. Irsay grew up surrounded by the family atmosphere of the Colts 
organization. He attended Southern Methodist University and earned a 
degree in broadcast journalism. He soon joined the franchise and worked 
in nearly every department, gaining experience that led to his 
appointment as general manager at the age of 24 before becoming sole 
owner of the team in 1997.
  The Irsay family made history by bringing the Colts to Indianapolis 
in 1984, a transformational move that forever changed the city's sports 
landscape. Their decision not only gave Indianapolis an NFL franchise 
but also helped shape its identity as a major-league city.
  Under Mr. Irsay's leadership, the Colts went on to win the Super Bowl 
in 2007, and the Lombardi Trophy toured over 130 miles throughout 
Indiana. During the tour, the Colts raised over $225,000 for charity, 
benefiting local communities.
  Mr. Irsay left a lasting mark on the city's skyline by leading the 
development of Lucas Oil Stadium. The stadium became home to the Colts 
and elevated Indianapolis as a premier host city for major events, 
including the 2012 Super Bowl.
  When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Indianapolis, Mr. Irsay chose action 
and personally led a fundraising drive, raising over $1.3 million in 48 
hours to provide emergency meals and resources to those in need across 
the city.
  In this difficult time, he found assets and e-learning materials for 
Indianapolis students, raised money for community centers, and helped 
fund resources for frontline healthcare workers.
  Continuously charitably minded, Mr. Irsay and his family launched a 
mental health program in Indiana called Kicking The Stigma aimed at 
educating and raising mental health awareness with the goal of ending 
the stigma surrounding mental health.
  Kicking The Stigma has raised and committed more than $31 million 
toward mental health research, treatment, and awareness in the region.
  An avid music fan and collector, Mr. Irsay started The Jim Irsay 
Collection, an assembly of various historic and culturally significant 
collectors' items detailing both American and some of the world's 
greatest music history. His collection has been turned into a traveling 
museum hosting free exhibitions nationwide, as well as loaning 
artifacts to museums, nonprofits, and other organizations for research 
and display.

  Mr. Irsay's values of family and community are seen and heard by all 
in the Colts community. From working with his father, Robert Irsay, in 
the early days of the Indianapolis Colts to continuing the legacy with 
his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson, Jim 
Irsay reflected generations of hard work, integrity, and commitment. 
His legacy stands as a test of time in the Colts organization as it 
continues to grow in Indianapolis.
  On behalf of Indiana's Fifth District and the great State of Indiana, 
I commend Mr. Irsay for his valued work and determination. Not only did 
he impact the Colts' franchise, but his community and charitable 
efforts impacted Hoosiers statewide, touching upon the lives of so many 
individuals.
  From bringing the Colts to Indianapolis to helping build the stadium 
that redefined the city's skyline, his vision and compassion have left 
a lasting imprint on Indiana.
  I thank Jim Irsay. May his impact and dedication be remembered.

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