INDIANAPOLIS — Colts owner Jim Irsay took his battle with addiction to the very end. But Irsay was able to change the terms of the fight over the years, taking a fight that had been personal and transforming it into a public crusade,

The NFL lost one of its most prominent, outspoken and charismatic leaders and one of its most eclectic figures Wednesday when the Indianapolis Colts announced the death of the franchise’s longtime owner,

Through his love for football, classic rock and, most of all, Indianapolis, Irsay left a lasting impression and turned the Hoosier State into a football hotbed.

"My guess is this planning has been done long before now so that (the franchise) is not all passing at his death."

The cause of death for Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was not released, although the team said he died peacefully in his sleep at age 65. However, Irsay's past health issues are well-known, including a possible previous "suspected overdose.