Jim Irsay’s parents were Robert Irsay (1923–1997) and Harriet Irsay (1925–1989). Robert Irsay was a successful businessman who became the owner of the Baltimore Colts in 1972. He relocated the team to Indianapolis in 1984, where they remain to this day. Harriet Irsay was a devoted wife and mother who supported her husband’s career and raised their three children.
Who is Jim Irsay?
Born on June 13, 1959, Ames “Jim” Irsay is an American businessman best known for his role as the Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, and Principal Owner of the National Football League (NFL) Indianapolis Colts. Following the passing of his father, Robert Irsay, in 1997, Irsay acquired sole ownership of the Colts.
The Colts have emerged as one of the NFL’s most successful teams under Irsay’s ownership, going on to win 13 division titles, nine postseason trips, and one Super Bowl (2006). In addition, Irsay has been a prominent voice in the NFL, having served on the Management Council from 2004 to 2020.
Irsay studied broadcast journalism and played football at Southern Methodist University before graduating.
Meet Robert Irsay
Robert Irsay was a well-known figure in American professional football. He was born in Chicago on March 5, 1923, and owned the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts team from 1972 until his death in 1997. His mother, Elaine Nyitrai, was a Jewish immigrant from Hungary, as was his father, Charles Irsay (originally Charles Israel).
Irsay demonstrated his dedication to service during World War II by enlisting in the USMC in 1942. In 1946, he joined his father’s heating and ventilation company after the war. But in 1951, driven by a spirit of enterprise, Irsay established the Robert Irsay Co. It was about a year after he sold this company to Zurn Industries that he made a big move into the professional football league.
Irsay’s foray into football ownership began when he assumed control of the Baltimore Colts on July 13, 1972. This acquisition came after a complex series of transactions that involved obtaining the Los Angeles Rams from the estate of Dan Reeves and engaging in a franchise swap with Carroll Rosenbloom. The entire process, involving the Rams and Colts, was officially ratified on the same day.
Notably, Irsay’s successful bid for the Rams amounted to a last-minute offer of $19 million, surpassing the competing bid from Hugh Culverhouse, the future owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, by $2 million. Initially, Irsay held a majority share of 51% in the Colts, with the remaining ownership attributed to Willard Keland of Racine, Wisconsin.
Irsay’s influence on the Colts went beyond just ownership, too, as he named Joe Thomas Baltimore’s new general manager, replacing Don Klosterman, who had followed Rosenbloom to Los Angeles. This calculated action demonstrated Irsay’s dedication to directing the team’s leadership and course.
Meet Harriet Irsay
The first wife of Robert Irsay, Harriet Pogorzelski, was descended from Polish Catholic immigrants. They married in 1946 after meeting in Chicago, Illinois. Together, they had three kids: Jim, Roberta, and Thomas. Tragically, Roberta lost her life in a car accident in 1971. Jim is the Indianapolis Colts’ principal owner and CEO at the moment.
Harriet Irsay was a loving mother and wife. She was always there for her husband and a great supporter of his business ventures, especially in the dark days following Roberta’s passing. She participated actively in her church and was a devoted Catholic.
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