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.”
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.
[Jim Irsay; Photo Credit: Jim Irsay/X]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.