Colts: Irsay's Daughters Take Over Team Control, New NFL Leadership

New Generation of Leadership in the Colts: Jim Irsay’s Daughters Take Control

INDIANAPOLIS – The new era of ownership for the Indianapolis Colts has been made official. The team announced on Monday the reorganization of its ownership following the passing of Jim Irsay, who was a long-time owner. Following their father’s wishes, Irsay’s three daughters will assume co-ownership of the team, each with specific roles within the franchise.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the eldest daughter, will be the owner and chief executive officer, designated as the principal owner. NFL regulations require each team to designate a principal owner, even when the franchise is under family control.

Casey Foyt will also be owner and executive vice president, while Kalen Jackson, the youngest daughter, will assume the role of owner and brand director. Jackson will also chair the Indianapolis Colts Foundation.

Jim Irsay passed away on May 21 at the age of 65. He had been the principal owner of the Colts since his father’s death in 1997. The Irsay family has owned the franchise since 1972, one of the longest periods of ownership in NFL history.

Irsay’s daughters have worked in the franchise in various capacities for years. Irsay-Gordon, in particular, has been involved in the daily management of the Colts and is part of several ownership committees.

Jim Irsay encouraged his daughters to find areas of the team that aligned with their interests, allowing them to establish themselves in their respective roles. They could often be found in various settings, from the sidelines to the draft room.

Jim Irsay’s transition to his daughters has been, so far, much smoother than Bob Irsay’s transition to his son. Nancy Irsay, Bob Irsay’s wife and Jim’s stepmother, filed a lawsuit in 1997 against Jim Irsay and the executors of her husband’s estate, alleging a conspiracy to interfere with her inheritance. The matter was settled out of court and the Colts remained with Jim Irsay.

When Jim Irsay took control of the team, he made his intentions clear from the start.