Washington Commanders fans owe Colts owner Jim Irsay a "thank you."

Irsay's death was announced Wednesday at the age of 65.

Irsay, the son of former Baltimore Colts owner Bob Irsay, was 12 when his father purchased the Colts. After going to SMU and playing a little football for the Mustangs, he graduated with a degree in sports journalism and was hired by his dad and the Colts.

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After a mere year in player personnel, Jim was vaulted by his father to Vice President and General Manager of the Colts, becoming, of course, the youngest to ever hold such a position in the NFL. His father gave him such power and influence at such a young age. When Bob died, Jim became the Colts' owner at 37.

In 2014, Irsay was arrested and charged with drug possession and driving under the influence. Found were multiple bottles of prescription medication and more than $29,000 in cash in his car. There was an NFL suspension of six games and a $500,000 fine. Yet, Irsay claimed to have been arrested because he was a wealthy white man.

Irsay certainly had his struggles in his personal life, yet Commanders fans may best remember him for what he had to say in 2022. Irsay had been asked at the owners' meetings if he felt Dan Snyder was good for the league. “I believe there is merit to removing him (Daniel Snyder) as owner of the Redskins,” boldly proclaimed Irsay when other NFL owners silently sat back, hoping Snyder would simply leave someday.

Not only was Irsay calling for Snyder's removal, but he was also clearly still referring to the team as the Redskins, though they had not played as the Redskins since 2019. Snyder and his wife Tanya had chosen not to participate in those 2022 owners meetings. When asked to respond, Irsay replied, "I don't know. They have to do what they think is right."

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"It's going to have to be something where we gather the other 31 of us (NFL owners) and talk about it. I know I am in favor of that. Would NFL owners vote to remove Snyder as NFL owner? Irsay again boldly stated, "Well, I think you hate to speculate. I believe they will support it if the report shows, and they believe it is the right thing to do."

Yes, Irsay had his issues, but because a man has some problems does not mean he is wrong about everything and should never be taken seriously.

Despite his flaws, Jim Irsay had the courage to speak up regarding Daniel Snyder's ownership of Washington's NFL team. Other NFL owners were emboldened, and within a couple of months, Snyder was searching for ways to sell the team.

Snyder indeed departed, and the Commanders got themselves a new owner, Josh Harris, who promptly brought in much better people around him. Adam Peters became the new general manager. Peters then hired new head coach Dan Quinn, and the two drafted their new franchise quarterback, Jayden Daniels.

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Jim Irsay's record was not perfect; however, give credit where credit is due.

Washington fans will always fondly remember Jim Irsay.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' fans will fondly remember Colts owner Jim Irsay