"They hated him” “Absolutely a travesty”: NFL fans react as Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon & sister Kalen decide to sell late dad's guitar collection

NFL fans reacted after Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon and her sisters announced plans to auction off their late father Jim Irsay’s memorabilia collection. ESPN reporter Adam Schefter’s X post on Thursday confirmed that auction house Christie's will oversee the sale in early 2026.

"They hated him," a fan wrote. "Absolutely a travesty," another fan wrote.

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"They should open up an exhibit in downtown Indy then donate the revenue from ticket sales to charity annually. Would be a way to honor Jim and bring musician fans from all over the world to downtown Indy," a fan said.

More fans reacted to the news.

"In the words of Indiana Jones “It belongs in a museum!” a fan commented. "That's a bittersweet legacy, turning rock 'n' roll relics and sports icons into a billion-dollar farewell tour. Hope the proceeds rock some serious good causes. RIP, Jim," one fan tweeted. "That’s pretty cool, sell it to someone who will appreciate it. However, I think it would be cool to own my dad’s collection of artifacts rather than get rid of them but that’s just me," another fan commented.

Jim, who owned the Colts for more than two decades, died in May at age 65. His daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson now lead the organization.

The trove features hundreds of historic artifacts. It includes guitars once played by icons such as The Beatles and Prince to Muhammad Ali’s championship belt from the Rumble in the Jungle. Jack Kerouac’s "On the Road" manuscript, Secretariat’s Triple Crown saddle and a centuries-old copy of the Declaration of Independence are also part of the collection.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon and her sisters cite reflection and legacy in their decision

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In a statement issued by the Colts, Carlie Irsay-Gordon and her sisters highlighted that the choice followed months of reflection.

"From iconic instruments to handwritten lyrics by legends to rare historical artifacts and documents, each piece in the collection tells a story, and he (Jim Irsay) was always so excited to share those stories with the world," the Irsay sisters said on Thursday. "We believe it's time for a new life for the collection. It's our sincerest hope that these artifacts find future stewards who understand and cherish their significance."

Christie’s plans to host free public exhibitions in New York ahead of the auction. It will give fans a final opportunity to view Jim Irsay’s treasures before they change hands.

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez