Jim Irsay is on a mission to spread mental health awareness

“It’s not always drugs or alcohol. Some of it is just mental illness,” Irsay said in a lengthy two-part interview on the AP Pro Football Podcast. “Many times these things are genetic and hereditary diseases that come with people, such as bipolar disorder, alcoholism or depression. So it’s something that I and my family are really passionate about as we go forward. There is much more work to do.”

Irsay, who has publicly battled alcoholism and addiction, has made it her personal mission to help people like this homeless woman and many others by breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health. The Colts are leading the way with their “Kicking the Stigma” initiative, which has raised millions to provide resources related to mental health and encourages anyone struggling with these illnesses to seek the help they need.

“I know what it is to be at the gates of hell. I know what it’s like to feel the bars of hell and to be in that darkness,” said Irsay, 63.

“When I do this work, it’s to try to save and help one person, one at a time, not because of our brand, not because it looks good for the family to have a big charity. Nothing of that. It is the empathy and the tremendous compassion that you develop as a human being because we learn from what we go through, we can share our strength, hope and experience to alleviate the suffering of others.”

Irsay continues to buy national television ads, featuring players and celebrities, on several major networks and during NFL game telecasts to raise awareness. The goal is to change the narrative surrounding mental health issues. Players past and present, including Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, have embraced the Irsay family’s message because it is personal to them.

“I think that’s why it’s been so well received and connected to so many people, because it comes from a lived experience,” said Kalen Jackson, one of Irsay’s three daughters, co-owner and vice president of the team. “It comes from a genuine place of understanding, and having lived through those dark moments, having lived through that, in my case, I have anxiety, it’s still part of my day to day. So I think it allows us to connect in a genuine way with people in this. And I think that’s part of why it’s been so well received.”

Irsay inherited the team after his father, Robert, died in 1997, and he won a legal battle with his stepmother to retain ownership. Jim Irsay played linebacker at SMU before an ankle injury ended his career and multiple surgeries left him dependent on prescription drugs. He battled drug addiction and received a six-game suspension after pleading guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated in September 2014. He was also fined $500,000.

“I had to give up my free will because it was killing me,” Irsay said. “The only way he could help me was to give in and give in to become teachable and make way for a power greater than myself.”

Irsay doesn’t shy away from talking about his past problems because it helps define the man he is now. He is not shy about speaking his mind on any subject, including Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder, who is at the center of multiple investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and financial wrongdoing.

Despite NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s recommendation that owners reserve judgment until the league’s investigation is complete, Irsay said last week that there is “merit in removing” Snyder.