After Colts Owner and CEO Jim Irsay died on May 21, several former Baltimore Colts players reached out to offer their tributes to a man they knew as "Jimmy," a teenager-turned-20something who held several roles with the team in the 1970s and 1980s.
The Colts, of course, packed up and moved to Indianapolis on March 28, 1984. But most folks associated with the team during its Baltimore days have fond memories of Irsay, several of which were chronicled in "The Move," the four-part narrative podcast series released in 2024 telling the story of the Colts' relocation from Baltimore to Indianapolis.
Here are the tributes to Irsay from 11 former Baltimore Colts players:
RAYMOND CHESTER (TE, 1973-1977): I've known Jimmy since he was a teen, and I interacted with him through the years. I have many memories of Jim during my years with the Baltimore Colts, visiting with Lydell Mitchell and me in our dorm rooms during training camp, even playing the tambourine as we listened to music. From the bottom of my heart, Jimmy Irsay was family to me.
FRED COOK (DE, 1974-1980): Jimmy was like a little brother to all of us young men on the Colts team. He always greeted me with, "Hey, Cookie Man" and always had a kind word. He had great respect for all Colts players, coaches, and staff.
A few years ago, when I got "low sick" (i.e., seriously ill), Jimmy got me a vehicle and a portable wheelchair to help me get to medical appointments. The kindness of his heart was his compass in life.
I loved him.
Jimmy Irsay was honest and fair. I guess it wasn't good enough for some folks. He had to go through good times and bad times. No matter what people think about him, God has the last say.
GLENN "SHAKE & BAKE" DOUGHTY (WR, 1972-1979): Each of us leaves a legacy and as long as God keeps us breathin' we can enjoy writing new historic chapters like no one else imagined! In 1975 Jimmy Irsay was only a young teen and our "little brother" bringing me and my All-Pro roommate Lydell Mitchell pizzas and discussing football into the night before curfew.
From the time he was a young teenager, helping out at Colts' training camp, Jim wrote new chapters. He was an inspiration, overcoming challenges and adversity, and living a life of compassion and empathy.
So proud that we could celebrate our 1975 Historic Championship Rings for the greatest turn around season in NFL History in Indianapolis in 2009.
Jimmy gave each of us a beautifully crafted ring. He honored me by engraving Shake & Bake into the inside of my ring. Make no mistake, Jimmy knew how to Shake & Bake! His band, like he enjoyed mine, proved to be a winner and a fan favorite!
God Bless Jimmy, the Colts, and his wonderful family!
JOE EHRMANN (DT, 1973-1980): Whether as a ball boy at training camp, or as owner and president of the Indianapolis Colts organization, Jim Irsay handled his responsibilities with compassion, integrity, and empathy.
In the face of adversity, Jim exemplified the moral courage that was an inspiration to those of us who knew and loved him.
He was committed to building a better world through coaching and athletics, and he supported my own efforts to do so through The Door and the InSideOut Initiative.
Perhaps most importantly, Jim Irsay was my friend. I will miss him.
BERT JONES (QB, 1973-1981): Jim Irsay was a young teenager when his dad became the owner of the Baltimore Colts in 1972. I met him in 1973, when I reported to Colts training camp as a rookie. In the nearly 52 years of our friendship, I knew him as a man of integrity, empathy, compassion, and generosity.
A team comprises many roles, from ball boy to owner, and Jim held most of those roles in his career with the Colts. He understood the responsibilities of each member of the Colts organization. In fact, there are countless stories – most not covered by the media or reaching the fans – of his compassion and concern for others, as well as his appreciation for the efforts of his team, his staff, and his organization.
The NFL has lost a passionate and committed team owner. My teammates and I have lost an advocate and a friend.
May he rest in peace.
BARRY KRAUSS (LB, 1979-1988): I've known Jimmy for over 46 years and first met him when he was 17 years old, when he was a ball boy at our Baltimore Colts practices. He was a great kid and a big Colts fan along with Loudy Loudenslager. See, there was always something special about Jimmy…it was because he cared.
Over the years we became closer and enjoyed each other's company. He supported my efforts to contribute to the Indianapolis community by donating not only monetarily, but by participating in my Indiana children's charity golf tournaments/fundraising events in person.
It was because he cared.
As former Colts players, we will miss him. Jimmy has always included us in any special event by bringing us back together and reminding us that we were still a part of the Colts organization and TEAM. We always knew he cared about us. That's what made Jimmy special.
He was my friend and I will miss him.
RIP Jimmy. Thank you for the great memories.
GEORGE KUNZ (OT, 1975-1977, 1980): As a kid working at summer camp with the Colts, you could see the enthusiasm and joy Jimmy had in being around athletes who had a higher-than- normal skill level in their sport. This drove him to over-achieve and ardently strive to be the best. God bless him.
BRUCE LAIRD (DB, 1972-1981): Even as a youngster of 13 or 14 years old, Jimmy was part of our team, and that commitment – that relationship – continued throughout his life.
I'll never forget the courage and integrity he showed as a teenager when, after an ugly post-game episode, he stood up in front of the entire team and coaching staff and apologized for his father's actions. This young man fell far from the parental tree.
He was a great friend to the Baltimore Colts, and we will miss him.
May he rest in peace.
JOHN LOPEZ (Athletic Trainer): In time, Jimmy became the keeper of the flame of what "Colt Football" was all about. Kind, generous, compassionate, he treated many with unbelievable caring and generous support.
I was blessed to have been in his pathway! Rest easy, Jimmy.
DON MCCAULEY (RB, 1971-1981): Tracey and I are so saddened to hear the news of Jim Irsay's passing! Our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers are with his entire family and the Indianapolis Colts Organization.
I was in my second year when the ownership changed hands in 1972. Jim was just a kid and had to face a lot of not-too-pleasant adversity at a very young age. I've always been impressed by how he rose above that adversity and embraced our team, The Baltimore Colts, with open arms.
Jim was like a younger brother, blessed with an exceptional heart, and was always there to help anyone out in any way he could. Early on, I always thought he'd be a great owner one day and he certainly proved that to be true.
Over the years, we've kept in touch and it was always great to see Jim's name pop up on my phone. He will surely be missed! Any time my family or I hear the name Jim Irsay, rest assured, we will be smiling!!!
With our heartfelt condolences to the family,
Don and Tracey McCauley
LYDELL MITCHELL (RB, 1972-1977): Jim Irsay was a great man, one gone too soon. I remember, like it was yesterday, how this young guy hung out in my room and in Bert's room at training camp. I remember how generous he was, even at that young age.
And I remember how much he genuinely cared about people. Whether hanging out and sharing pizza with us at training camp in Towson, Md., or honoring the 1975 Colts in Indianapolis, Ind., he showed us the kind of heart he had. It's not often that you find people like that.
My teammates and I will miss him.
My condolences to the Irsay family and to the Colts family.
DOUG NETTLES (CB, 1974-1979): I remember Jim from his training camp visits, working with Billy Burgess and the Schubach brothers. He would come by my room after lunch to listen to music. (I ended up giving him the turntable for the summer so I could get some sleep!) He was a monster in the weight room, trying to get stronger so he could play.
Great kid and turned himself into an outstanding adult and leader.
MIKE O'SHEA (Athletic Trainer): Good memories with Jimmy at training camp, beginning at Towson University. Prayers for Jimmy and the Irsay Family.
STAN WHITE (LB, 1972-1979): At his core, Jimmy was simply a good son and a good person. He took a lot of criticism from media and fans – criticism that should have been directed elsewhere.
Jimmy loved the Colts, and was particularly close to our 1975 team. And frankly, we loved him. His loss is felt deeply among our team.
May he rest in the peace and love he so deserves.
