Robert Irsay

Owner of the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts from 1972 to 1997.

Robert Irsay (March 5, 1923 – January 14, 1997) was an American professional football team owner. He owned the National Football League (NFL)'s Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts franchise from 1972 until his death in 1997. He was the father of former Colts owner Jim Irsay.

Quick Facts

Position: Owner
Born: 5 March 1923
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died: 14 January 1997
Place of death: Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Highlights: Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor

Lore & Background

Robert Irsay was born on March 5, 1923, in Chicago, the son of Charles Israel and the former Elaine Nyitrai, Jewish immigrants from Hungary. The family name was changed to Irsay in 1931. He attended Lane Tech High School in Chicago. In 1940, Irsay enrolled at the University of Illinois, joining Sigma Alpha Mu, a Jewish fraternity.

He left the university after three semesters plus the summer session of 1942. On October 23, 1942, he joined the United States Marine Corps and was discharged on April 3, 1943, as a sergeant without having served overseas. In 1946, he was hired by his father's heating and ventilation business, the Acord Ventilating Company. He left on December 31, 1951, taking a contract with Caterpillar Tractor Company and establishing the Robert Irsay Company.

Irsay assumed ownership of the Baltimore Colts on July 13, 1972, after acquiring the Los Angeles Rams from the estate of Dan Reeves and swapping franchises with Carroll Rosenbloom. His first controversial act was changing head coaches from Howard Schnellenberger to general manager Joe Thomas after a 30–10 defeat on September 29, 1974. On January 20, 1984, Irsay appeared drunk before the Baltimore media and said, 'This is my team!' He moved the Colts to Indianapolis on March 29, 1984, after accepting a deal from the city of Indianapolis.

He married Harriet Pogorzelski on July 12, 1947, at Temple Sholom in Chicago. They had three children: Thomas, Roberta, and Jim. Roberta was killed at age 14 in a 1971 automobile accident. Thomas died in 1999 at age 45.

Irsay divorced Harriet and married Nancy Clifford on June 17, 1989. He suffered a stroke in November 1995 and died in Indianapolis on January 14, 1997. He is interred at Crown Hill Cemetery and Arboretum.

Reader's Guide

Robert Irsay owned the Colts from July 13, 1972, until his death in 1997. He moved the team from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984. His ownership was marked by controversial coaching changes, disputes with players, and a strained relationship with the Baltimore community.

Did You Know?

Irsay denied his Jewish heritage later in life, claiming without evidence that he was Catholic.
He mischaracterized his military service, claiming he served in the Army, Navy, and Marines, but actually served only in the Marine Corps for 5.5 months without overseas duty.
His mother called him 'a devil on earth' after he left his father's business.
The Colts moved to Indianapolis in the early hours of March 29, 1984, using 15 Mayflower trucks.