Tessa Quinn
On December 8, 2023, Jim Irsay was hospitalized after being found unresponsive in his bedroom. Police characterized the incident as a suspected overdose, and medics administered Narcan to reverse the effects of an opiate overdose. Irsay, however, denied that it was an overdose and attributed the incident to a leg injury that required immediate attention. He revealed that he had undergone 26 to 27 surgeries in the last seven years. While Irsay's hospitalization raised concerns about his health, there is no recent information indicating that he is still in the hospital as of June 2025.
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What You'll Learn
Jim Irsay was hospitalised in December 2023
On December 8, 2023, Jim Irsay was hospitalized after being found unresponsive in his bedroom at his home in Carmel, Indianapolis. According to police reports, Irsay was "breathing but turning blue" and was unresponsive. Medics administered Narcan (naloxone), a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and Irsay was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Irsay, however, denied that the incident was due to an overdose. He attributed it to a leg injury that had developed a serious hematoma and required immediate medical attention. In an interview, Irsay expressed frustration with the quick judgment of the situation as an overdose, stating that it was unfair and emphasizing his history of orthopedic issues and multiple surgeries.
The hospitalization raised concerns about Irsay's health, especially given his previous struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. In the months following the incident, Irsay was not seen publicly for extended periods, and the Colts organization reported that he was being treated for a "severe respiratory illness."
Irsay's hospitalization in December 2023 sparked conversations about his well-being and brought attention to his previous health issues. While he denied the overdose speculation, the incident highlighted the complexities of his medical history.
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Police suspected an overdose
On December 8, 2023, Colts owner Jim Irsay was found unresponsive and struggling to breathe at his home in Carmel, Indiana. Police and paramedics responded to a 911 call and administered Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Irsay was transported to the hospital, and police reports listed the incident as an "overdose" and "overdose/poisoning."
Irsay, however, denied that the incident was an overdose. In an interview, he stated, "It wasn’t an overdose, I don’t know why when you have your name in the paper in the past, people throw that out there quickly. I don’t pay attention to it all that much, but I don’t think it’s fair." He attributed his condition to a leg injury that developed into a serious hematoma.
Irsay has been open about his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction in the past. In a November 2023 interview, he revealed that he had battled addiction and experienced a previous overdose where he nearly died. He also claimed that his 2014 arrest for driving under the influence was a result of prejudice against him for being a rich, white billionaire.
The Colts released a statement in January 2024, saying that Irsay was being treated for a severe respiratory illness and requesting privacy for him and his family. They provided no further comments on his personal health.
While the police suspected an overdose, Irsay's exact condition and the substances involved remain unknown. The incident highlights the challenges of addiction and the importance of respectful privacy when dealing with personal health struggles.
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Irsay denied the overdose, citing a leg injury
On December 8, 2023, Jim Irsay, the long-time owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, was found unresponsive and struggling to breathe at his home in Carmel, Indiana. Officers and paramedics who responded to the 911 call administered Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, and transported him to the hospital. The incident was logged as an "overdose" by the Carmel Police Department.
Irsay, however, denied that he had suffered an overdose, citing a leg injury as the reason for the medical emergency. In an interview with Fox 59, he stated, "It wasn't an overdose... I don't know why when you have your name in the paper in the past, people throw that out there quickly. I don't pay attention to it all that much, but I don't think it's fair." Irsay explained that he was treating a leg injury that had developed into a serious hematoma, requiring surgery and a lengthy hospital stay.
Irsay's health scare came after a difficult stretch for him, including 26 surgeries over the last seven years. In February 2024, he underwent surgery on his right leg/hip, which severely limited his mobility and ability to interact with the media and his fanbase. At the time of the interview with Fox 59/CBS4, Irsay was still in the hospital recovering from the surgery.
Despite his health challenges, Irsay remained positive about his recovery. "I'm doing great," he shared. "I've appreciated all of the prayers and concerns... It's a long road and you have to be patient. The great news is everything is going well." Irsay's denial of the overdose report and his focus on his leg injury highlight his commitment to his health and well-being, as well as his willingness to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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He received Narcan, a medication for opioid overdose
On December 8, 2023, Jim Irsay, the former owner of the Colts, passed away. He was found unresponsive and struggling to breathe at home and was taken to the hospital, where he received Narcan, a medication that reverses opioid overdose.
Narcan is the brand name for naloxone, a medication that can save someone from a heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioid overdose. It comes in a small, easy-to-carry nasal spray or injection form that can be administered without medical training. It works within a few minutes to reverse the effects of these drugs on the brain and breathing, preventing death. In the United States, Narcan nasal spray can be obtained without a prescription from pharmacies, local or state programs, harm reduction locations, or community organizations.
Irsay was born on June 13, 1959, in Lincolnwood, Illinois, and was known for his significant investments in music and memorabilia, including iconic guitars and manuscripts. He joined the Colts' professional staff in 1982 and became the youngest person to hold the title of general manager in the NFL in 1984. After his father's death in 1997, Irsay engaged in a legal battle with his stepmother over the ownership of the team.
Outside of football, Irsay was a generous philanthropist, supporting various projects in Indiana, including mental health initiatives and cancer research. He was also a musician, performing with his own all-star band, The Jim Irsay Band, and hosting free concerts across the country.
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He was still in the hospital in February 2024
In February 2024, Jim Irsay was still in the hospital following surgery on his right leg/hip. This surgery was the latest of "26 surgeries over the last seven years", according to Irsay. He had been hospitalised in December 2023 after being found unresponsive and struggling to breathe at home. Police characterised the incident as a suspected overdose, and medics administered Narcan, a medicine used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. However, Irsay denied that the incident was an overdose, instead attributing it to a leg injury that had developed a serious hematoma.
Irsay's health had been the subject of scrutiny since his hospitalisation in December 2023. In the months following the incident, he made few public appearances and was notably absent from several NFL events, including the annual meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, and the league meeting in Eagan, Minnesota.
Despite his health issues, Irsay remained in control of the Colts and expressed his dedication to the team. In an interview, he stated, "I have my hands on the reins". He also emphasised his commitment to following his doctors' orders and making a full recovery.
Irsay's hospitalisation and health struggles occurred during a difficult period in his life, which included a reported overdose in the past that he stated had nearly killed him. He had also been open about his issues with drug and alcohol addiction and had reportedly been to rehab multiple times.
Irsay's surgery and extended hospital stay in February 2024 were part of his ongoing medical issues and treatment. While he assured the public that he was "doing great", he also acknowledged that it was a "long road" to recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Jim Irsay passed away on May 21, 2025, at the age of 65.
Irsay was hospitalized in December 2023 after police responded to a suspected overdose at his home. However, Irsay denied that it was an overdose and attributed the incident to a leg injury that required immediate treatment.
Irsay had faced health challenges in the years leading up to his death. He had undergone 26-27 surgeries in the seven years preceding his death and had limited mobility due to issues with his right leg and hip.
