Indianapolis Colts Honor Jim Irsay with “Win for Jim” Stratocaster

The Indianapolis Colts have introduced a custom electric guitar, the “Win for Jim” Stratocaster, to pay tribute to their late owner, Jim Irsay. Irsay, a prominent vintage guitar collector, passed away at the age of 65 in May 2023, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in both the NFL and the music world.

Irsay’s collection consists of some of the most historically significant guitars, including Kurt Cobain’s Fender Mustang, which sold for $4.5 million in 2022, and David Gilmour’s iconic Black Strat. His collection is celebrated as one of the largest and most culturally important in the world. Irsay became the youngest owner of an NFL team after inheriting the Colts from his father and was well-regarded as CEO.

As the Colts embark on their first season without his leadership since 1996, the team has adopted “Win for Jim” as this season’s rallying cry. The inspiration for the Stratocaster came from Irsay’s dual passions for football and music.

Honoring a Legacy

On Labor Day, during preparations for the upcoming season, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Irsay’s daughter and the new CEO of the Colts, delivered a heartfelt speech about her father’s enduring legacy at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Head coach Shane Steichen surprised her by unveiling the custom guitar, finished in a striking Colts blue and adorned with the team’s horseshoe logo. The guitar features Irsay’s initials on the neckplate, designed in the Colts’ font.

Steichen stated, “We got one more thing to honor your dad this season,” before showcasing the single humbucker guitar. Throughout the 2023 season, Steichen plans to present the guitar to a different player each Saturday night during team meetings. That player will then carry the Fender onto the field the next day, reinforcing the connection to Irsay’s spirit.

For the opening game against the Miami Dolphins, linebacker DeForest Buckner was chosen to take the guitar onto the field, leading the team to a resounding 33-8 victory.

A Collaborative Creation

The “Win for Jim” Stratocaster was a collaborative project, with contributions from Steichen and Dr. Mark French, head of the Purdue University Guitar Lab. The guitar was constructed by Purdue alumnus Noah Scott and is fully functional, ready for use by the players.

Irsay had previously supported the university’s Guitar Lab, allowing students to access his collection for educational purposes. After being featured in player walk-outs, the guitar will be prominently displayed on a stand in the Colts’ locker room, serving as a constant reminder of the mantra driving the team throughout the season.

Steichen emphasized the emotional significance of the guitar, stating, “Even though he’s not physically with us anymore, he’s always with us in spirit. And that’s part of him traveling with us, every game.”

This tribute to Jim Irsay not only honors his legacy but also strengthens the bond between the team and its fans as they move forward into a new season with renewed spirit and determination.