A casual lunch in early April 1998 was the start of a long, productive and close relationship. Jim Irsay dispatched his private jet to Knoxville, Tenn. to bring an All-America quarterback at the University of Tennessee to the Surf Club in Miami.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts will wear a black patch on their jerseys in 2025 to honor late owner Jim Irsay, who died last week at the age of 65. Irsay’s patch includes his initials in bold white letters, overlaid by a copy of his signature and the trademark smiley face he always used to write on autographs for fans.

After NFL owner Jim Irsay died in his sleep at the age of 65, former Colts player Reggie Wayne emotionally paid tribute to him, saying, 'He would have done anything for anybody.'