INDIANAPOLIS — Jim Irsay, the beloved owner of the Indianapolis Colts, passed away Wednesday afternoon at the age of 65. As news of his death spreads, many are reflecting on the profound impact he had not only on the game of football but also on the community that adores him.

“He had a heart of gold,” said ESPN NFL Reporter Stephen Holder, who covers the Indianapolis Colts.

WATCH: Stephan Holder. Holder has covered the Indianapolis Colts since 2013. Most recently, he has been the team beat writer for ESPN.com.

Stephen Holder

Those who worked alongside Irsay and played for him often saw this quality firsthand. His love for the sport was evident, but it was his connection to family and community that truly defined him.

“It wasn’t just about football,” Former Colts Cornerback Marlin Jackson said. “It was about his family, and it was about the community. He poured his heart and soul into both those things.”

For many, Jim Irsay was not just a team owner but a vital part of the community.

“When they think about Indianapolis, they think about the Colts,” said Holder. “That’s not how it was 30 years ago. The Colts were just an afterthought. He helped give this city an identity.”

WATCH: Marlin Jackson. Jackson was a first-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2005. He was a starting cornerback for the Colts’ Super Bowl XLI win over the Chicago Bears.

Marlin Jackson

Under Irsay’s leadership, many said the Colts became an integral part of Indianapolis, transitioning the city from a racing and college basketball town to one that proudly embraces its NFL franchise. The narrative of Indianapolis has shifted, and much of that progress can be attributed to Irsay’s vision.

In 2020, Irsay and the Colts launched “Kicking the Stigma,” a campaign aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing associated stigmas.

“He wanted it to be a national PSA,” said Kalen Jackson, Irsay’s daughter. “It was a beautiful thing, and I think that’s what makes Kicking the Stigma so impactful—it comes from a genuine place.”

Fans often saw themselves in Irsay, feeling a personal connection to his vision for the team. He helped elevate the Colts to their status at the forefront of Indiana’s sports landscape.

“The fans—they saw themselves in him in many ways,” Former Colts Lineman Brian Baldinger said. “If you wore the horseshoe, you felt like you were playing for a first-class organization.”

WATCH: Brian Baldinger. Baldinger played four of his eleven seasons in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. He currently serves as an analyst for the NFL Network.

Brian Baldinger

As the city mourns the loss of a powerful figure, those who knew Jim Irsay best are left with lasting memories of his contributions both on and off the field. His legacy will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.

PREVIOUS | Jim Irsay, owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, passes away at 65

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis 500 is set for an unforgettable race day this Sunday, with energy and anticipation running high as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) prepares to welcome a sold-out crowd for the first time since 2016.

Organizers, law enforcement and federal partners are all working together to ensure a safe experience for attendees.

Fans are reminded that while grandstand tickets are no longer available, general admission tickets can still be purchased.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early and take advantage of the full day of activities.

Between merchandise booths, pre-race festivities, and tributes to military service members in honor of Memorial Day, there’s plenty to see and do before the cars take to the track.

Visitors are strongly advised to plan ahead. Traffic and access challenges are a part of the Indy 500 experience, especially with so many arriving and departing at the same time.

Fans should expect peak wait times at entry gates around 11:30 a.m. and are encouraged to arrive between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. for a smoother entry.

Parking and shuttle services are already sold out, so many attendees will rely on the hospitality of local Speedway residents offering parking on their lawns.

Upon departure, the Speedway will direct vehicles based on quadrants to move traffic as efficiently as possible, though fans should be aware that lots near the venue will remain closed for up to an hour after the race to ensure pedestrian safety.

Metal detectors and vehicle sweeps are in place.

There will be a unified effort in place, including the Department of Homeland Security and local agencies.

Fans are reminded to leave drones at home because violations will be taken seriously.

DHS also urges attendees to stay alert and engaged. The “See Something, Say Something” campaign remains active, and fans are encouraged to report anything suspicious.

For real-time alerts, fans can opt into the city’s mass notification system by texting INDY500 to 67283.

As fans gear up for the world’s largest single-day sporting event, officials stress the importance of patience, planning and participation in keeping everyone safe.

Nine-time Grammy nominee Natalie Grant will sing the national anthem before the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25, Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced.

Grant, a Seattle native who lives in Nashville, Tennessee, is known for her work in Christian and gospel music, having won five GMA Dove Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year. Her most recent album “Seasons,” which debuted at the top of the Christian Billboard charts, includes collaborations with Mary Mary, CeCe Winans and more. Her cover of Whitney Houston’s “Step By Step” with Dolly Parton made the mainstream adult contemporary chart.

“Natalie’s emotional and stirring rendition of the national anthem in front of the grandstand sellout crowd will be an unforgettable moment during pre-race ceremonies for the Indy 500,” said J. Douglas Boles, IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway president, in a May 21 release. “The national anthem pays honor to the country we love and gets us one step closer to the final, dramatic and electric moments leading up to the start of the Indianapolis 500.”

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Outside of her singing career, Grant co-founded Hope for Justice, a nonprofit that fights human trafficking. She’s an author who’s written 11 books, including the Glimmer Girls tween series about the adventures of twins and their little sister who travel the world with their vocalist mom. Grant is married to Bernie Herms, a Grammy Award-winning songwriter, producer and composer, and the pair’s three children inspired the book series.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway previously announced that four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski will be the grand marshal of the Snake Pit on May 25. American dance producer Illenium will headline the 2025 Snake Pit. Bret Michaels and the All-American Rejects will co-headline Carb Day on May 23. On May 24, Midland will headline the 2025 Firestone Legends Day concert.

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Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Sign up here for the newsletter she curates about things to do and ways to explore Indianapolis. Find her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.