The Indianapolis Colts announced that former offensive lineman and member of their 2007 Super Bowl winning team Matt Ulrich has passed away at the age of 41.
Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, was the person to first break the news online. Irsay posted a picture of Ulrich holding the Lombardi Trophy on his X account with the caption:
“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.”
Ulrich was with the Colts from 2oo5 to 2007, and originally signed with the team as an undrafted free agent. He played college football and was a captain for Northwestern University before making the jump to the pros.
His decision to suit up with Indianapolis’ pro football team ended up being mutually beneficial, considering he played a large role in helping bring a Super Bowl to the Peyton Manning-led Colts team.
Ulrich spoke about reaching the pinnacle of sports and taking home the Super Bowl with his team back in 2019, saying:
“Seeing the confetti come down Colts colors and be able to hold the Lombardi Trophy, everyone being on the field, I had to remind myself to take one moment for myself.
It was good advice I got from someone that if you do win it take that last moment to look back at the tunnel and just look at the scoreboard, look at the field, and just know you’re at the pinnacle of sports. And that’s quite an awesome feeling.”
Ulrich had recently been living in Montana, where he held the role of chief growth officer and partner with a company called Profitable Ideas Exchange (PIE). He was working with the Harvard Football Players Health study, acting as a player advisor.
The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Rest in peace to Matt, and thoughts and prayers with his family and loved ones.
