Colts great Reggie Wayne fights back tears while remembering late owner Jim Irsay: 'He had the biggest heart'

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Indianapolis Colts great and current wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne fought back tears during the team’s first media availability on Wednesday following the death of longtime owner Jim Irsay. 

It was an emotional moment for Wayne, a six-time Pro Bowler and a member of the Colts’ Super Bowl XLI winning team, as he spoke about his relationship with Irsay, who passed away in his sleep last week at age 65. 

FILE - Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay (L) talks with former player Reggie Wayne before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 29, 2015, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

"It’s like losing a family member. There were times that I felt like [Irsay] treated me like I was one of his sons even though he didn’t have any," Wayne managed a smile as he spoke to reporters. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"When you lose something like that, it definitely shocks the soul."

Irsay famously began his football career as a ball boy when his father first purchased the team in 1972 – when the Colts still played in Baltimore. He slowly moved up the ranks and became the youngest team owner at 37 when he took over for his father following his death in 1997. 

"He had the biggest heart in the city. I think we all know how caring he was, how easy he was as far as giving… I think he was definitely the heart of this city," Wayne continued. 

FILE - Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne motions after gaining a first down against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Indiana Dec. 30, 2012.    (REUTERS/Brent Smith )

Wayne played