Jim Irsay, Owner
Indianapolis Colts
It’s a multi-billion dollar corporation that acts as a business, yet poses as a game: the NFL. As the richest sporting league in the world, the National Football League has maintained its success because of team owners, such as Jim Irsay, Owner of the Indianapolis Colts. Although the players might be the reason fans line up and pay top dollar to cheer on their team, it’s up to the team owners to drive a powerful organization, while maintaining their own legacy.
Q: What is your plan of attack for winning on the field?
A: There’s much more to just winning and losing. We have to win—to keep the fans happy—but there is much more behind our Earthly pursuits. You never do see a hearse pulling a U-Haul, now do you? When you win, it’s great, but I never take credit for winning—it’s a team effort. When you lose though, that’s when the finger points right at you as the owner. It’s tough when you don’t win, but there is much more to life than winning a football game.
Q: What has piloted your career to its current state?
A: We’re spiritual beings having human experiences. We’re all one— we come from the same source. There are interesting twists, things that happen in our lives that lead us to where we are today; it’s what I like to call a magical fabric.
Q: When it comes to marketing, what one word do you keep present in all your endeavors?
A: People can feel what’s real. Sitting with my father during the early games, I can remember how nurturing the fans can be. We are playing for the fans, so we should keep them engaged.
Q: How do you execute your power on and off the field?
A: Humility and grace are what we strive for. To be in a position of ‘so-called’ power, it’s our right, our duty, to use this power for a higher good. Plus, we are given a platform or a stage in the professional league; it’s a great opportunity to impact the lives of others.
Q: Knowing that you grew up in the “game,” what is your advantage versus your competitors?
A: I had a big advantage growing up with the league. Being associated with the game is such a thrill. I feel privileged to belong to this league; I always have. Yet it’s much more difficult for other businessmen who choose to enter, not being immersed in the game. It becomes an enormous challenge when you are not an expansion team. The Steelers and Packers have done an outstanding job competing in a larger market, family-owned franchise.
Q: What lessons have you learned as owner of the Indianapolis Colts?
A: I’m behind the curtain or radar; the players are the stars, and the coach is the team’s head support. A big part of my success belongs to my “it doesn’t matter who gets credit” philosophy, as long as it all goes well. Even if it doesn’t go well, we must keep our spirits high and keep going.
Q: We have one floor left, final thoughts?
A: We control less than we think we do. For those that use the term self-made man, that’s an arrogant term. The way our lives unfold [is not due to our own efforts], we’re all connected. We need to set an example and serve others and God. Like Lennon said, ‘check your ego at the door.’
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