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Indianapolis Colts Big and current broad recipients -trainer Reggie Wayne fought back tears under the team’s first media availability Wednesday after the death of long -time owner Jim Irsay.
It was an emotional moment for Wayne, a six-time pro bowler and member of the Colts’ Super Bowl XLI -winning team when he talked about his relationship with Irsay, who died in his sleep last week at the age of 65.
File – Indianapolis Colts -Owner Jim Irsay (L) talks to former player Reggie Wayne before the game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 29, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
“It’s like losing a family member. There were times that I wanted [Irsay] Treated me as if I was one of his sons, even though he had no one, “Wayne managed a smile when he spoke with journalists.
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“When you lose something similar, it certainly shocks the soul.”
Irsay famously began his football career as a ball boy when his father first bought the team in 1972 – when Colts still played in Baltimore. He slowly moved up the rows and became the youngest team owner of 37 years when he took over for his father after his death in 1997.
“He had the biggest heart in town. I think we all know how care he was, how easy he was so far as to give … I think he was definitely the heart of this city,” Wayne continued.
File -Indianapolis Colts Broad receives Reggie Wayne movements after getting a first down against Houston Texans in the fourth quarter of an NFL football match in Indianapolis, Indiana December 30, 2012. (Reuters/Brent Smith)
Wayne played his entire 14-year-old career with the Colts after University of Miami With the 30th total election in 2001. He led the league in receipt of yards in 2007, was three-time all-pro and ranks second in the franchise story for most receiving items behind Marvin Harrison. He returned to Colts in 2022 as assistant coach.
Peyton Manning, Pat McAfee, other sports stars mourn over the Colts owner Jim Irsay after death of 65
While reminiscent of his time with Irsay, Wayne fought to explain the message he shared with recipients after learning about Irsay’s passing.
“I said to the recipients, I said,” Many people don’t really know him, but he would have done something for anyone. He would have given the clothes from his back, ”he said tearfully.
“He didn’t care about his players. He was interested in his team. He was interested in town. And it wasn’t just the players he didn’t care about the people in the building. He was that guy. And I told them I just said up ‘man you didn’t really know but you got to push your ass to him. Because he would have done it for you.
Indianapolis Colts Broad recipients trainer Reggie Wayne is preparing for an exercise on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 during compulsory MiniCamp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. (Mykal McEtdowny-usa Today Sports)
Irsay fought for health and addiction issues in his life. Despite his struggles, he restored the glory to the franchise, leaving an eternal influence on the organization.
