The Indianapolis Colts already had more than enough motivation to be at their best this season.
But after owner Jim Irsay passed away, this is now bigger than football.
At least, that’s how Zaire Franklin feels.
The linebacker recently talked about how Irsay’s passing has brought the team together, adding that they’re looking forward to honoring him every time they step on the field this season.
“With the passing of Jim Irsay, a great man who’s done not only so much for the city, but the state of Indiana, this season, and just honoring his legacy and continuing to bring his dream to fruition, is definitely extreme motivation. It’s one of those things that gets everybody on the same page where everybody is fighting and pulling in the same direction, for the same purpose,” Franklin said, via JPAFootball.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: #Colts LB Zaire Franklin says that the team has extra motivation to honor the late Jim Irsay with their play heading into the 2025 season, he told @SIRIUSXM
“With the passing of Jim Irsay, a great man who’s done not only so much for the city, but the state of… pic.twitter.com/458ucY5fiT
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) June 29, 2025
Irsay built a strong reputation as a player’s owner and a class act.
While he had some issues off the field, his players and employees knew him to be an approachable and caring person who was going to go the extra mile to make sure they had everything they needed to succeed.
The Colts’ quarterback situation might again hold them back this season, as Daniel Jones, while arguably an upgrade over Anthony Richardson, might not be an NFL-caliber starter.
The team already had more than enough reason to play with a big chip on their shoulders, as they’ve been knocking on the door of an AFC playoff berth.
They have failed to find a franchise QB after Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement, and it will be interesting to see how they fare in what’s expected to be a very emotional campaign.
