Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay dies at 65

LOS ANGELES (KTTV) - Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died at 65.

The Colts announced on social media that he died "peacefully in his sleep" on May 21.

In addition to owning the NFL team, Irsay served as the Colts general manager from 1984 to 1996.

Irway owned the Colts during Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck's primes in the NFL. He was the team's owner when the Colts won their first Super Bowl title in 2006.

Below is a statement released by the Colts on Wednesday:

"We are devastated to announce our beloved Owner & CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon. Jim's dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed. Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them.

Some of Jim's fondest memories came from his youth working training camps in Baltimore and growing relationships with players, coaches, and staff whom he considered his extended family. He worked in every department before he was named the youngest general manager in team history in 1984 when the Colts arrived in Indianapolis. After he took sole ownership in 1997, he led the Colts to a long series of division titles and brought the city its first Super Bowl Championship. Jim's love and appreciation for the NFL in addition to its history, tradition, and principles influenced him to become a steward of the game throughout his 50-plus years in the League. 

Jim's generosity can be felt all over Indianapolis, the state of Indiana and the country. He made philanthropy a daily endeavor. He never hesitated to help countless organizations and individuals live better lives. Music was one of Jim's passions and the ability to share his band and collection with millions of people across the world brought him tremendous joy. Simply put, he wanted to make the world a better place and that philosophy never wavered. Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organization, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit."

PETA executive vice president Tracy Reiman issued the following statement in the wake of the news of Irsay's death:

"From pledging $20 million to liberate Lolita the orca from her concrete prison, to renovating his private jet with exclusively animal-free materials, to turning Lucas Oil Stadium into one of the most vegan-friendly sports venues in the nation, Jim Irsay proved time and again that he had a heart the size of a football field. PETA and the animals lost a hero today, but Jim’s legacy of kindness and generosity will live on."

This story was reported from Los Angeles.