Jim Irsay’s final years under scrutiny: multiple overdoses, repeated relapses and controversial medical care revealed | NFL News

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, who passed away in May at the age of 65, spent much of his final years battling addiction behind the scenes. While fans knew him as one of the NFL’s most outspoken and passionate owners, a new report from The Washington Post sheds light on the troubling private struggles that marked his last chapter.

Multiple overdoses and concerns about prescribed treatments

Irsay, who had long been candid about his history with substance abuse, reportedly suffered at least three overdoses in the final five years of his life. According to the report, his addiction specialist, Dr. Harry Haroutunian, prescribed him significant amounts of opioids and ketamine as part of a treatment plan. Sources revealed that Irsay had been given more than 200 opioid pills shortly before two overdoses in December 2023.One of those incidents occurred at Irsay’s Carmel, Indiana home, where first responders found him unresponsive on a bathroom floor. He was revived after receiving Narcan, a life-saving opioid antagonist. Less than two weeks later, he reportedly overdosed again at a Miami resort. Another episode took place in 2020 while vacationing in Turks and Caicos, requiring hospitalization.Haroutunian defended his approach, saying, “I dedicated 18 months of my life to try to care for him … as a brother. We did everything we could to make him as comfortable as possible.” Still, several people close to Irsay questioned whether the treatments were helping or enabling his relapses.

A complicated man who left his mark on the NFL

Irsay’s official cause of death was cardiac arrest caused by acute pneumonia, but his long battle with addiction overshadowed his final years. In a candid 2023 interview with HBO’s Real Sports, he admitted he had been to rehab “at least 15 times” and even once overdosed while trying to detox on his own.Also Read: “Dear Son…”: Travis Hunter welcomes baby boy with wife Leanna in emotional surprise for fans everywhere amidst all breakup rumorsDespite his personal struggles, Irsay’s contributions to the NFL remain significant. He inherited the Colts from his father in 1997 and oversaw their rise into a Super Bowl-winning franchise. His openness about addiction also made him a rare figure in pro sports ownership—flawed, vulnerable, but unafraid to speak about demons many keep hidden.