Robert Irsay
The volatile owner who seized the team under eminent domain threat and moved it to Indiana overnight.
via Wikipedia: Robert Irsay · see source
Robert Irsay (March 5, 1923 – January 14, 1997) was an American professional football owner who controlled the NFL's Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts franchise from July 13, 1972, until his death. A Chicago native born to Hungarian Jewish immigrants, Irsay served in the U.S. Army Air Forces briefly during World War II before founding a rival heating and ventilation firm that sparked a bitter family feud. His tenure was defined by emotional volatility, including firing coaches mid-game and verbally abusing players, but most notably by the controversial 1984 relocation of the franchise to Indianapolis. Despite his complex personal life and strained relationships with staff, he remains the first inductee into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor.
- Role
- Franchise Owner
- Affiliation
- Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts
- First Appears
- July 13, 1972 (Acquired ownership)
- Status
- Deceased (January 14, 1997)
- Legacy
- Relocated team to Indianapolis in 1984
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Irsay's ownership began on July 13, 1972, following a complex swap where he acquired the Los Angeles Rams from Dan Reeves' estate and traded for the Baltimore Colts with Carroll Rosenbloom. His $19 million bid exceeded that of future Tampa Bay owner Hugh Culverhouse by $2 million. Irsay's management style was often erratic; on September 29, 1974, he fired head coach Howard Schnellenberger the day after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, promoting general manager Joe Thomas instead. This decision followed Irsay demanding starting quarterback Bert Jones over Marty Domres. His volatility escalated in 1976 when his verbal abuse of players after a preseason loss led to coach Ted Marchibroda's resignation, only for Marchibroda to be rehired two days later after coordinators and players threatened to strike.
In Their Own Story
The most defining moment of Irsay's career occurred on the night of March 28, 1984. Facing a Maryland state law allowing Baltimore to seize the Colts via eminent domain due to stalled stadium negotiations, Irsay feared a dawn raid on the Owings Mills headquarters. On that same day he had drunkenly told the media, "This is my team!" insisting rumors of a move were false. Overnight, Indianapolis Mayor William H. Hudnut III coordinated with Mayflower Transit CEO John Burnside Smith to dispatch fifteen trucks. In the early hours of March 29, these vehicles packed the team's property and transported it across state lines. An ecstatic crowd greeted the arrival in Indianapolis, generating 143,000 season ticket requests within two weeks, while Baltimore remained without an NFL team until Art Modell moved the Cleveland Browns there in 1996.
Reader's Guide
Robert Irsay's legacy is inextricably linked to the 1984 franchise relocation. His ownership era was marked by a refusal to compromise with Baltimore officials regarding Memorial Stadium improvements, leading to the unprecedented overnight move to Indianapolis. This decision created a lasting cultural divide but secured the team's future. Off the field, Irsay navigated severe personal controversies, including denying his Jewish heritage despite birth records and family testimony, and estranging himself from his mother and brother Ron, who accused him of trying to destroy their family business. His relationships with players were often strained; running back Lydell Mitchell accused him of racial discrimination and bad-faith bargaining before being traded in 1978, while defensive end John Dutton called the team "just a toy" to Irsay.
Did You Know?
- Irsay left the University of Illinois after just three semesters plus a summer session to join the U.S. Army Air Forces, serving only 5-1/2 months without ever going overseas.
- Upon his departure from his father's heating business in 1951, Irsay took five employees and several vehicles to start a rival firm, prompting his mother to call him a "devil on earth."
- The move to Indianapolis was executed overnight with fifteen trucks arranged by Mayflower Transit, resulting in 143,000 season ticket requests in just two weeks.
- Irsay fired head coach Howard Schnellenberger the day after a game on September 29, 1974, announcing the change to players before speaking to the coach himself.
- Robert Irsay was inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor on September 23, 1996, just months before his death.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert Irsay?
Robert Irsay was the owner of the franchise from 1964 until his death in 2003, serving as the primary figure who moved the team from Baltimore to Indianapolis. He is best known for leading the organization during its most transformative era in NFL history.
What role did Robert Irsay play for the Colts?
As the franchise owner, he held full authority over business operations and roster decisions, shaping the team's identity through strategic drafting and free agency. His leadership defined the modern operational structure of the Indianapolis Colts.
Why is Robert Irsay considered important to the team?
He secured the franchise's first Super Bowl title in 1971 and made the controversial decision to relocate the team to Indiana in 1984. These actions fundamentally reshaped NFL geography and established the Colts as a cornerstone of Indianapolis sports.
When did Robert Irsay acquire ownership of the team?
Irsay purchased the franchise in 1964, taking over control from previous owners and immediately beginning his long tenure that would last nearly four decades. This acquisition marked the start of a new chapter for the organization.
How does Robert Irsay's story conclude?
His life ended in 2003 due to health complications, leaving behind a legacy as the visionary who built the modern Colts franchise. Following his death, ownership was transferred to his family, ensuring his influence continued within the organization.