With all due respect to eight-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Marvin Harrison and seven-time Pro Bowl running back Marshall Faulk, Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning was the most important player drafted by late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.

Manning, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 draft, was just the second first-round pick drafted by the Colts after Irsay took over as owner in 1997. He previously served as the team’s general manager from 1984 to 1996 after his father Robert moved the team from Baltimore to Indianapolis following the 1983 season.

And while the Colts built several championship-caliber teams — they won 10 division titles — and drafted plenty of elite talent —Dallas Clark, Faulk, Dwight Freeney, Harrison, Edgerrin James, Andrew Luck, and Reggie Wayne — Manning sticks out as arguably the best decision Irsay made in his 27 years owning the team.

Irsay unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday as the age of 65.

Condolences poured in throughout the day on social media with many sharing their fondest memories of the usually polarizing owner, but Manning’s heartfelt tribute on Instagram may have been one of the most touching.

“I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay’s passing,” Manning wrote. “He was an incredibly generous and passionate owner and I will always be indebted to him for giving me my start in the NFL. His love for the Colts and the city of Indy was unmatched.

“His impact on the players who played for him will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone in the Colts community. He will be missed. Jim, rest in peace my friend, #18.”

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Irsay’s cause of death isn’t known, but the team released a statement disclosing that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

His health had been cause for concern over the last few years.

Irsay was hospitalized back in December of 2023 when he was found unresponsive in his room in an incident many believed to be an overdose. Then he was treated in January for what the Colts described as a “severe respiratory illness,” and he hadn’t made many public appearances since.

Manning played 13 of his 17 NFL seasons with the Colts.

During his time in Indianapolis, he won four of his five MVPs, made 11 of his 14 Pro Bowls, earned eight of his 10 All-Pro selections, won an NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, and led the Colts to a Super Bowl championship.

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