Matt Ulrich, a former Northwestern star who won a Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts, has died at age 41.
Colts owner Jim Irsay announced Ulrich’s death via X/Twitter on Wednesday. No cause of death was listed.
“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Matt Ulrich. Matt was with us only two seasons, but left his mark on many,” Irsay wrote. “Great guy, I hear he was a great dad — and he was a Super Bowl champ. My prayers to his family.”
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
The Steamwood, Illinois, native earned all-Midwest honors as an offensive lineman in high school. He chose Northwestern, and in 2004 he earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.
Ulrich signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent the following season. Although the 6-foot-4 guard played only 10 NFL games, he was a member of the Colts team that won Super Bowl XLI over the Chicago Bears to cap the 2006 season.
After his retirement, Ulrich founded a sports performance company and a firm that facilitated networking for business executives.
Ulrich is survived by his wife, Alison, and four sons. According to the Indy Star, Alison Ulrich posted a touching message on Facebook.
“Our beloved, one of a kind Matt has passed away and is in a better place,” she wrote, later adding, “Please pray for peace and comfort for the boys. They have lost their greatest fan, coach and friend.”
Fans paid tribute to Ulrich on X/Twitter and sent condolences to his family.
I knew him in college. Very nice guy. I was shocked and saddened to read this headline. Condolences to his family.
— Matt (@Matt_Huebner) November 9, 2023
Damn…I’m sorry to hear that….I remember Matt when he was with us… prayers for the family ❤️
— Corey Graves (@GorloG25) November 8, 2023
RIP big man, you made your history. All we can ever hope for is we leave a footprint in this life
Condolences to his family & friends 🙏🏻
— MFH™ (@ManyFacedHeel) November 9, 2023
Condolences to his family, teammates, friends and loved ones – this is shocking & sad news 💔
— Mark Veau (@MarkVeau) November 8, 2023
[Jim Irsay; Photo Credit: Jim Irsay/X]
