The Indianapolis Colts are dedicating the 2025 season to their late owner, Jim Irsay, and to the city the team has called home since 1984.
The Colts released a trailer to kick off the season on Sunday, narrated by franchise legend Edgerrin James, that remembered Irsay. He died at age 65 on May 21.
“This season hits different,” James says in his opening remarks. “The big man ain’t walking through that tunnel. Big man, you gave your heart to this city. Now it’s on us to carry the weight, to carry your name, to carry your legacy.”
The video shows city skyscapes, game action and Irsay cradling the Super Bowl trophy won following the 2006 season.
At age 24, Irsay was named general manager of the Colts when they relocated from Baltimore. He took over ownership of the team when his father, Robert Irsay, died in 1997.
“It started with one man,” James says of Irsay, “but this ain’t about one man. It’s about all of us. … This is foundation. A foundation built by the big man.
“This season. For the city. For the boss. For the (horse) shoe.”
The Colts open the season at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 7, and will be inducting Irsay into the team’s ring of honor during the game. Irsay’s three daughters have taken over management of the team.