Colts owner Jim Irsay makes first public appearance since 2023

WESTFIELD — Colts owner Jim Irsay made his first public appearance since last season on Sunday, riding onto the practice fields at Grand Park in a golf cart and speaking to local media.

According to the owner, Irsay is recovering from a series of recent surgeries, the first of which began with a fall at his Carmel home.

He was found unconscious in his home on December 8 and hospitalized. In January, the Colts released a statement saying Irsay was battling a serious respiratory illness at the time.

Irsay told FOX59 that he has since undergone surgery and has been working on his body for months, making Sunday’s training camp a milestone for the owner.

“It’s great to see you, hear the fans and be here,” Irsay said. “I know sometimes what our players can go through, with the rehab I’ve done. I feel great. I’m trying to get my left leg stronger, which it will be.”

Irsay’s rehabilitation is still ongoing.

“It’s frustrating because my left leg doesn’t have the push off that I need it to have,” Irsay said. “I can stand and stuff like that, but as far as walking, it’s hard to say exactly how far away I am from that, but I’m not far. God knows I’ve been working hard to get myself back, because man, it’s hard work. I’m just thankful. … I’m just thankful that I have the type of injury that I can heal and get back to 100 percent.”

Irsay has been talking to general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen throughout his physical and has been working hard to return to normal public appearances.

Next week, he’ll present former Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney for Freeney’s induction into the Hall of Fame. It’s the third time he’s given the honor to a former Colt, an added incentive for a man who’s worked hard to get healthy again.

“We all relate, in life, to quality of life and enjoying our health,” Irsay said. “It’s always hard when you have a setback like that. I’ve had injuries over the years with my training for marathons and powerlifting and soccer, but this feels good to just be back, feels really timely to be back. I’m just really thankful to be feeling better and to be here.”