The Indianapolis Colts are living through a big transition, and the spotlight has squarely fallen on Carlie Irsay-Gordon. Following the passing of her father, longtime owner Jim Irsay, in May 2025, Carlie has stepped in as the franchise’s new leader. Her appointment makes her the first woman to ever run the team, officially beginning a new chapter in Indianapolis.
The team’s ownership structure was clarified last June: Irsay-Gordon as CEO, Casey Foyt as executive vice president, and Kalen Jackson as chief brand officer, though all three have held vice-chair positions since 2012. What stood out most wasn’t just the news of her taking over—it was the way she introduced herself to the fans and NFL community. In the opening weeks of the season, Carlie was spotted on the sidelines wearing a headset and taking notes during the Colts’ 29-28 win over the Broncos.
Her active involvement immediately turned heads, signaling that she wasn’t going to remain a figurehead owner. Was this a sign of forward-thinking engagement or the start of potential micromanagement? The NFL community has taken notice, with fans and insiders alike agreeing that her leadership style will be pivotal in shaping the Colts’ next era. NFL on CBS highlighted her involvement, posting a clip on X with commentary: “Granddaughter, daughter Carlie Irsay-Gordon, has been on the sidelines… she’s got her earpiece in. She’s listening to plays… taking notes… knows everybody in the organization by name. She’s involved in the business meetings, the football meetings. Very well liked.”
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Her hands-on approach signals that she isn’t content to be a figurehead. Her intent is to understand the team from the ground up.
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Carlie’s journey toward this role began long before she assumed the CEO title. She revealed during her introduction as principal owner in June 2025 that she had been tracking coach communications as early as 2012, when Chuck Pagano led the team. “That sort of accelerated my, ‘I need to learn more about this. I need to be able to say, ‘Is this person full of BS? Do they know what they’re talking about?’” she said, reflecting on her early learning process. She added that being on the headset has helped her grasp the complexity of a football team on game day. “It’s such a complex organism, a football team, and how it operates on game day.”
During her June 2025 introduction as principal owner, she shared that she began monitoring coach communications as far back as 2012. Under Chuck Pagano, to better understand the game and the decision-making behind it. “I needed to know if someone was genuinely competent or just talking,” she explained. She also stressed that being on the headset has taught her the complexity of managing a football team on game day.
While the Colts’ 2-0 start is turning heads on the field—their first such start since 2009, it’s Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s style that’s generating conversation.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon: Setting a new standard
One fan wrote, “Love the hat.” Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s blue-and-white striped shirt stood out on the sidelines at Lucas Oil Stadium. Fans quickly noticed, praising not just her presence but the focus and energy she brought to every moment.
Another remarked, “carlie irsay-gordon you have bewitched me.” Safety Cam Bynum highlighted her rare level of involvement in team operations. “As an owner, that’s insane to me. The fact that she’s sitting in defensive meetings, learning the defense with us, and knowing what the calls are… Being an owner of a team, you don’t have to do any of that. She’s there every single day.”
“Carlie Irsay-Gordon continuing to put on an absolute CLINIC in game-day fits 🔥,” one pointed out. Beyond meetings, Irsay-Gordon even joins team workouts. A commitment, Bynum says, “makes the whole organization feel like a family thing,” showing leadership that resonates deeply inside the locker room.
“Nice one,” a user said. The Irsay sisters’ hands-on approach may invite scrutiny, but it’s clearly making an impact. Their involvement helped the Colts secure their first Week 1 win in over a decade. Coinciding with their father’s induction into the Ring of Honor.
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“#Colts Owner/CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon gameday fit check,” one added. With decades of experience representing the Colts at NFL meetings since 2004, Carlie combines organizational expertise with a visible sideline presence. Earning respect from players and fans alike.