Tributes have poured in from all corners of the National Football League following the death of long-time Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.

Irsay assumed control of the Colts in 1997, succeeding his father Robert, who was best known for spiriting the team out of Baltimore under cover of darkness in 1983. Once that furore had passed, and ownership been handed down, the Colts enjoyed a lengthy period of success under the younger Irsay, reaching the postseason no fewer than 16 times, with two AFC crowns and a Lombardi Trophy added to the club’s list of achievements.

More recent times have been leaner for Indianapolis, and Irsay has dealt with repeated ill-health, but he continued to play an active role in the running of the franchise.

“We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim Irsay’s passing today,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Jim was a friend, and a man deeply committed to his family, the game, the Colts and the Indianapolis community. He spent his life and career in the National Football League. Starting as a teenager as a Colts’ ballboy, he learned every position in the organisation before assuming leadership of the Colts approximately 30 years ago. Jim’s Colts won the Super Bowl, hosted another and built Lucas Oil Stadium.

“Within the league, Jim was an active chairman of the Legislative Committee and member of the Finance Committee. He led with integrity, passion and care for the Colts’ players, coaches and staff, and his courageous work in support of mental health will be a lasting legacy. On behalf of the entire NFL, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jim’s daughters and their families, and to his many friends throughout the NFL.”

Outside of football, Irsay was a generous philanthropist and a talented musician, endeavours he brought together as he amassed an extraordinary collection of historical and musical artefacts that he shared with the country. Although his personal life was occasionally turbulent, he thought nothing of helping others, with donations to various causes including, but not limited to, children’s charities, Indianapolis Zoo, mental health — including the founding of the Kicking The Stigma movement dedicated to ‘raising awareness of mental health disorders and removing the shame and stigma too often associated with them’ — and the Chuckstrong Tailgate Gala in support of former Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, who beat acute promyelocytic leukemia before returning to the helm in Indianapolis.

Irsay’s love of music not only led to the formation of his own all-star band, but also the curation of the The Jim Irsay Collection, as he made significant investments in memorabilia, including what Guitar Magazine called ‘the greatest guitar collection on Earth’. Items in that section of the collection alone include originals once owned by the likes of Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, David Gilmour and Kurt Cobain. In the sporting realm, Irsay owned the saddle used by American Triple Crown winner Secretariat, Muhammad Ali’s boots from the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ and, slightly offbeat, the volleyball christened ‘Wilson’ by Tom Hanks in the movie Cast Away.

“We are devastated to announce our beloved owner and CEO, Jim Irsay, passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon,” the Colts confirmed on Wednesday. “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. When he took sole ownership in 1997, he led the Colts to countless 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 endeavour. He never hesitated to help countless organisations 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 all the way up to his passing. Jim will be deeply missed by his family, the Colts organisation, and fans everywhere, but we remain inspired by his caring and unique spirit.”

Jim Irsay RIP.