Matt Ulrich, a former National Football League player who won the Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts, has died. He was 41 years old.

Colts owner Jim Irsay made the announcement on Wednesday. According to TMZ, further details surrounding Ulrich’s death remain undisclosed.

Irsay went on Twitter/X and shared his condolences, saying even though the offensive guard was with the team for a short time, his presence was felt throughout the organization. “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.”

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

Matt Ulrich Was Star Athlete In High School

Looking back at his background, Matt Ulrich was a star athlete at Streamwood High School in Illinois. He received high honors in football and shot put before attending Northwestern. Ulrich, who went undrafted, joined Indy in 2005. He appeared in 10 games in his career, winning it all alongside Peyton Manning and Co. at Super Bowl XLI.

Meanwhile, after he retired, Matt Ulrich started a fitness company in retirement … and also ventured into business.

Ulrich was part of those amazing Colts teams under Manning’s leadership. Additionally, these days, NFL fans can see Peyton Manning cut it up with his brother, Eli, during Monday Night Football‘s ManningCast.

Fans post tender words of condolences upon hearing of Ulrich’s death. One fan says, “I played high school football with Matt and he was an amazing human!! Thank you for showing him the love!!” Another fan writes, “I went to high school with him and didn’t always get along with him, but I’m very saddened to hear of his passing. My prayers are with his family and his 4 boys.”

This fan states, “RIP. Sorry to hear that. My condolences to his family and friends. <3”. Reportedly, before Ulrich’s death, he was a player adviser for the Harvard Football Players Health study. In addition, he attended Northwestern University, where he was named team captain in 2004. He earns All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.

In a statement from the NFLPA Former Players’ account on X/Twitter, it said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Matt Ulrich. Our hearts go out to all his family, friends and fans.” Other fans in the comments section of Irsay’s tweet offered up praying hands emojis and a few “thoughts and prayers” tweets.