Former NFL player Matt Ulrich, who played for the Indianapolis Colts, has died at age 41. Colts owner Jim Irsay has confirmed the news in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The exact details surrounding his death are yet to be revealed.
In an emotional post on X, Jim Irsay expressed his heartfelt condolences to Ulrich’s family. He said that even though Matt Ulrich was associated with the Indianapolis Colts for a short period, he left a lasting impression. Irsay said he was heartbroken to hear the news.
“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Matt Ulrich,” Irsay said. “Matt was with us only two seasons, but left his mark on many. Great guy, I hear he was a great dad—and he was a Super Bowl champ. My prayers to his family”.
Following his death, a fundraiser was created to help his family in this unfortunate situation. So far, it has helped raise $30,000. Tom McMakin, who is the CEO of Profitable Ideas Exchange, the place where Matt Ulrich was working, has contributed a generous sum of $20,000. McMakin said Ulrich was a kind person who spread love and energy towards everyone.
“Matt had love and energy for everyone he met,” McMakin said. “An NFL lineman is usually scary … but Matt immediately put you at ease. He was a gentle giant”.
When asked about the reason for such a large contribution, McMakin said Ulrich was a big part of their current success, and hence it was only natural. McMakin also revealed Ulrich’s contribution to community programs. He was helping kids with strength and conditioning training.
Matt Ulrich won the Super Bowl XLI with the Indianapolis Colts in 2006
Matt Ulrich played as an offensive guard for the NFL team, the Indianapolis Colts. He played college football for Northwestern University (Northwestern Wildcats football). Ulrich spent just two seasons in the NFL, and the entirety of it was with the Colts.
I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Matt Ulrich. Matt was with us only two seasons, but left his mark on many. Great guy, I hear he was a great dad—and he was a Super Bowl champ. My prayers to his family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Cb21IkP1XT
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) November 8, 2023
He won Super Bowl XLI with them in 2006. The team, led by quarterback Peyton Manning, defeated the Chicago Bears 29-27 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens. Ulrich played a total of 10 games in the NFL.
Matt Ulrich had an impressive career at Northwestern University. He was named the team captain back in 2004 and also received All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. After his retirement from the NFL, he founded a fitness company called DexaFit LLC.