The last time the eccentric Indianapolis Colts owner spoke to the local media about the state of his team was in July 2024. As had become a yearly routine, Irsay arrived at Colts training camp in a suit and sunglasses, oozing with reckless optimism, as he addressed reporters from his golf cart.

The NFL community was stunned Wednesday by the passing of Jim Irsay, who presided over the Colts as the team’s owner since 1997.

"My guess is this planning has been done long before now so that (the franchise) is not all passing at his death."