INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The cherished memorabilia of former Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is set to go under the hammer in March, as announced by his daughters on Thursday. Jim Irsay passed away in May at the age of 65, leaving behind a significant legacy in both the sports and collecting worlds. The Indianapolis Colts, which Irsay owned from 1997 until his death, are now being managed by his three daughters: Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson.
In a heartfelt statement, the daughters expressed that the decision to auction off their father's prized collection was made with "deep reflection and love." They intend to honor their father's passion for collecting, which transcended mere possession to showcase a profound appreciation for the beauty and cultural significance of each item. The auction will be conducted by Christie’s, the renowned New York-based auction house, which will also hold public exhibitions in New York's Rockefeller Plaza.
The auction features an extraordinary array of items, including Jack Kerouac’s original manuscript of “On The Road,” the foundational text of Alcoholics Anonymous, and more than 200 musical instruments linked to legends such as The Beatles and Prince. Notably, the collection includes Muhammad Ali’s WBC championship belt from the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” fight against George Foreman and the saddle used by Secretariat during his historic Triple Crown run. Perhaps most remarkable is a copy of the Declaration of Independence that is over 200 years old.
Guitar World has described Irsay's guitar collection as potentially the greatest in the world, having reportedly received a $1 billion offer solely for the guitars. Julien Pradels, president of Christie’s American region, remarked on the honor of offering this remarkable collection, emphasizing that it represents a unique opportunity for collectors globally to acquire a piece of history.
In recent years, Irsay took his collection on the road, allowing the public to view the items and even performed in a band during some of the tour stops. His daughters conveyed their belief that the time has come for the collection to move towards a new life, hoping that the artifacts will find future stewards who appreciate their significance.
In addition to the auction, the Irsay family has put at least two of Jim Irsay's residences up for sale, further signifying a transition period following their father's death. Jim Irsay's journey with the Colts began at a young age when he started as a ball boy while the team was still based in Baltimore. He became the youngest general manager in NFL history at age 24 after the Colts relocated to Indianapolis in 1984. Following his father's passing, he assumed ownership of the team.
This season, Irsay was inducted into the Colts' Ring of Honor, and the team's players have been wearing a “JI” patch on their jerseys as a tribute to his memory, reflecting the team’s strong start with a 7-1 record through the first eight games.
The upcoming auction not only serves as a tribute to Jim Irsay's legacy as a passionate collector but also represents an opportunity for collectors and fans to engage with items that carry historical and cultural resonance.
