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Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts and the man who oversaw one of the greatest eras in franchise history including a victory in Super Bowl XLI, died in his sleep Wednesday afternoon. He was 65.

A second-generation owner with an eccentric streak that made him a unique character among NFL owners, Irsay was central to the Colts' identity as a franchise, and he oversaw his team becoming one of the AFC's dominant forces of the 2000s after assuming ownership upon the death of his father Robert Irsay in 1997. 

Jim Irsay dies at 65: Indianapolis Colts owner took over team in 1997, oversaw Super Bowl XLI victory
Shanna McCarriston
Jim Irsay dies at 65: Indianapolis Colts owner took over team in 1997, oversaw Super Bowl XLI victory

Irsay was a central figure in overseeing the selection of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, and he would reap the rewards of said selection as the Colts became a perennial championship contender, finally reaching the mountaintop in 2007 when they claimed the franchise's first Super Bowl victory since moving to Indianapolis in the 1980s.

Among those who reacted to Irsay's passing in the instant wave of commiseration that followed news of his death were Colts players past and present, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, other pro football figures and more who directly witnessed Irsay's reign as Colts owner in Indianapolis and beyond. Here is a look at some notable reactions to the death of Jim Irsay following the announcement of his passing on Wednesday night.

Goodell released a statement on behalf of the entire NFL:

Longtime Colts executive Pete Ward released a statement from the team:

Legendary Colts quarterback Peyton Manning paid tribute to Irsay, calling him "an incredibly generous and passionate owner."

Former players like Reggie Wayne, Darius Butler and T.Y. Hilton were quick to offer tributes, as did many others affiliated with the NFL: