Irsay's Game is Over: The Colts Owner Takes His Final Bow

A Shelby Pays Respects

Right so I hear the Colts' owner Jim Irsay has shuffled off this mortal coil. Died in his sleep they say. Peaceful. Something we Shelbys don't often get. Truth be told I never met the bloke but a man who owns a football team and Kurt Cobain's guitar? He’s alright by me. Every man wants something he cannot have. Maybe Irsay had it all or maybe not but he is still gone now. And the world keeps spinning with or without him.

From Ball Boy to Big Boss

Started as a ball boy they tell me. Worked his way up. Reminds me a bit of myself really. Though I started with a bit more… *grit*. Became the youngest GM and then the youngest owner in the damn league. That's ambition that is. Though ambition without a plan is just… a bloody mess. Much like this whole bloody world.

Super Bowl Glory: A Win is a Win

The Colts won a Super Bowl under his watch. 2007 beat the Bears. Now I'm not one for American football but a win is a win. And those boys from Indianapolis they enjoyed it. They say he was a generous owner. Paid his dues. A man who looked after his own that's a man I can respect. Now let's see if this new owner has what it takes to be as good as him not everyone is born with that Shelby blood in them after all.

Peyton's Praise: A Kingmaker's Touch

He signed Peyton Manning. The quarterback says he was indebted to Irsay. Gave him his start. See that's the thing about power. It's not just about taking it's about giving the right people a chance. A clever man always knows when to let another man win. He gave this man his chance so there are no debts to be paid between them.

Rock 'n' Roll and Memorabilia: Every Man Has a Vice

Turns out the man was a rock 'n' roll fan. Spent millions on guitars and memorabilia. Everyone needs a vice I suppose. Mine’s… well that’s my business. This man wanted to buy a piece of history that’s his prerogative I do not see any harm in that. People should concern themselves with their own problems first what others do with their money is their concern alone.

Final Words: A Game Never Truly Over

His last message was a cheer for the Pacers. A man through and through always betting until the last moment now that's how you live your life like there is no tomorrow. 'Good luck to Herb the entire Pacers organization and our city!' Simple words but they speak volumes. He cared. About the game about his city. About winning. And in this world that's all that bloody matters. As we say in Birmingham 'By order of the Peaky Blinders' this man did alright. Rest in peace.