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Indiana Pacers Complete Historic Comeback Drawing Inspiration From Late Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay’s Last Words Of Encouragement

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May 21, 2025 will forever be cemented in Indiana sports history, as Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay tragically passed away at the age of 65.

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That is, the legendary owner's last words were of encouragement for the Pacers franchise, who were competing in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals the night of Irsay's death.

And with a miracle 138-135 comeback victory that ensued, many fans are crediting it to Irsay's inspiration.

Soon after the tip-off of the game, Pacers owner Herb Simon and the Pacers organization released a tribute statement for Irsay:

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Jim Irsay. Jim took the time today to cheer us on - he was more than the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, he was a transformative figure in our city and state, a passionate advocate for the community, and someone whose generosity, vision and spirit touched countless lives. Jim helped shape our city into the sports capital it is today, and his legacy, both on and off the field, will continue to inspire us and generations to come."

Although the Pacers are the first team to be trailing by 9+ with 1:00 left and still win (previous NBA playoff record 0-1434), they are actually no strangers to late-game heroic finishes.

That is, in the 2024-25 playoffs alone, Indiana has now come back from trailing by 7+ more points in the last 50 seconds, three different times... (including: 119-118 win vs. Bucks; 120-119 win vs. Cavs).

Regarding this scenario, NBA teams (since 1996-97) trailing by this much have an all-time record of 4 wins (3 from Pacers) and 1702 losses.

Colts owner Jim Irsay (1959-2025)

In view of Irsay's passing, reportedly he had been suffering from "severe respiratory illness," as stated by the Colts in a previous statement.

To note, the longtime Colts owner had admitted to a long-battle with addiction, as in a 2023 interview with HBO Sports, Irsay said he had been to rehab at least 15 times. Yet, this led him to starting the "kicking the stigma," campaign which raised $31 million pertaining to research and awareness for the mental health crisis in Indiana and around the world.

Since taking sole ownership in 1997, Irsay would go on to build quite a team, that reached two Super Bowls, including a Super Bowl XLI victory over the Chicago Bears in the 2006 season.

Many former players, such as ESPN personality/former Colts punter Pat McAfee, spoke on the kind of person Irsay was, highlighting his generous and down-to-earth spirit.

Arguably the greatest Colts player in franchise history, Peyton Manning, also spoke on his relationship with Irsay.

"I am heartbroken to hear about Jim Irsay's passing," Manning wrote on Instagram. "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."

Related: Jim Irsay Jams out to Meek Mill in Colts Locker Room After Panthers Win

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