Colts owner Jim Irsay says he’s ‘on the mend’ after severe respiratory illness

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay took to X on Tuesday to share that he is “on the mend” after his hospitalization for severe respiratory illness last month. The 64-year-old NFL team owner also thanked everyone for their support amid his recovery process. Though some staffers have access to Irsay’s social media, ESPN reports that the team owner did share the update himself.

“On the mend,” Irsay tweeted with a heart emoji. “Grateful for all the messages of love and support.”

There’s been increased concern about Irsay’s health over the last two months. First, the Indianapolis Colts revealed that he was undergoing treatment for a severe respiratory illness last month, then a report surfaced that police came to his aid previously in December when he was found unconscious with a “blue skin tone.” It’s unclear whether the two matters are related.

“Jim Irsay is currently being treated for a severe respiratory illness,” the Colts announced on Jan. 9. “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. 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.”

Police respond to Irsay home, Colts owner found unconscious

On Jan. 17, a police report emerged that revealed authorities responded to a call from his home where they found him unconscious and struggling to breathe. The report suggested that it was a possible overdose incident.

“Cops were dispatched to Irsay’s Carmel residence on Dec. 8 at around 4:30 AM … after someone said they had found the Indianapolis Colts owner unconscious on a bathroom floor with a blue skin tone,” TMZ Sports shared from the police report.

Per Fox 59, the responding officer also wrote in the report: “Irsay was unconscious with abnormal breathing (agonal breathing), a weak pulse, and he was cold to the touch.”

Irsay has previously opened up about overdosing and nearly dying, calling himself “lucky” to be alive. During an interview with HBO, Irsay recalled the scary situation from years ago:

“I was trying to detox myself, and I mixed multiple drugs that I didn’t know anything about. So all of a sudden, I start slurring my words. And then code blue, I stop breathing. And they revive me and the doctor goes, ‘Jim, you’re one lucky man because I had virtually signed the death certificate.’”

The youngest NFL team owner in league history at 37, Irsay inherited ownership of the Colts from his late father, Robert Irsay. The Colts have since won 10 division titles, made the playoffs 18 times, appeared in two Super Bowls and won Super Bowl XLI.