Irsay’s Daughters in Charge of the Colts: Priority, Legacy, and Success in the NFL

INDIANAPOLIS – Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the new principal owner of the Indianapolis Colts, kicked off the new leadership phase with a touch of humor, joking about the possibility of being 30 minutes late to the press conference, a nod to her father, Jim Irsay’s unique style. However, it was clear that the management of Irsay’s three daughters, who took control of the team after his death, is a matter of utmost seriousness.

This is our business and we take it very seriously.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon, CEO and Principal Owner

During a joint press conference, Irsay-Gordon, along with her sisters, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, emphasized the determination to continue the family legacy. When questioned about General Manager Chris Ballard and Coach Shane Steichen, whose positions Jim Irsay carefully evaluated before retaining them in January, Irsay-Gordon sent a clear message about expectations.

Chris and Shane know they have things to fix. We have a standard here and it hasn’t been good enough. Winning is great, but we are committed to being the best, and if we are the best, we will win games. We trust they can achieve it.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon

The Colts failed to qualify for the playoffs last season for the fourth consecutive time and haven’t won the AFC South division since 2014, being the only team in the division without this achievement in that period. Irsay-Gordon declined to speculate on whether the futures of Ballard and Steichen are linked, but highlighted their good working relationship. The sisters, although less publicly exposed than their father, have been actively involved in the team’s important decision-making for years.

We were exposed to all possible areas. He never excluded us from any area. And I think that will help us in this transition.

Kalen Jackson, owner and brand director

Although no decisions have been made about the team’s leadership structure, Irsay-Gordon assured that Pete Ward, his father’s right-hand man and an employee of the Colts since 1982, has promised to remain on the team. The sisters, accustomed to making decisions together, have learned to handle disagreements over the years.

We are sisters, but also business partners. We know our strengths and weaknesses better than most. Of course, we are going to disagree, but we have learned to manage those disagreements.

Kalen Jackson

One of the pending issues is the future of quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is out due to a right shoulder injury. Irsay-Gordon expressed his confidence in Richardson, highlighting his potential despite the initial challenges.

We chose Anthony for a reason and we believe in him. He has incredible talent and, sometimes, when you choose players, they have difficult starts, they have injuries, they have to go through those things. But I think it’s too early to say. I think he has all the potential in the world and, if he wants to prove it, he can.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon

Additionally, Irsay-Gordon, who attends the team’s facilities full-time, emphasized her active leadership style, including the use of headsets during games to oversee the coaches’ decisions. She suggests that this practice could be beneficial for other owners, especially considering the high investments in coaches and managers.