The Indianapolis Colts have started the 2025 season with a perfect 3-0 record, and while quarterback Daniel Jones and his offense are earning headlines on the field, much of the attention off it has been directed at owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon. Now the principal leader of the franchise following the passing of her father, longtime owner Jim Irsay, Irsay-Gordon is taking a more active role in the team’s operations, with a sideline presence that reflects her commitment to understanding every aspect of the game.
Irsay-Gordon has been visible on the Colts’ sideline for more than a decade, often wearing a headset and taking notes during games. She explained earlier this year that the practice began in 2012 as a way to evaluate how coaches communicated under pressure and to deepen her football knowledge. “It’s such a complex organism, a football team, and how it operates on game day,” Irsay-Gordon said during her June 2025 introductory press conference. “Being on the headset has really helped me learn where we need to make tweaks, what resources we need, and what we need to fix.”
Carlie Irsay-Gordon walks the sideline Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, ahead of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
That approach has drawn praise from players and coaches alike. New safety Camryn Bynum noted that Irsay-Gordon attends player meetings, taking notes alongside them. Head coach Shane Steichen has emphasized that her football insight makes her a valuable part of organizational discussions. Quarterback Jones described her as “very intentional” in learning game plans week to week, adding that her dedication has impressed players.
The leadership of the Colts now rests with Carlie and her sisters, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, who assumed ownership duties in June. While all three hold executive roles, Irsay-Gordon serves as the team’s CEO and principal owner, overseeing both football and business operations. Together, the sisters continue a family legacy that stretches back more than five decades, when the Irsays first acquired the franchise.
Her father, Jim Irsay, led the Colts from 1997 until his passing in May 2025. Under his tenure, the team reached the pinnacle of NFL success, highlighted by the 2007 Super Bowl victory with Peyton Manning at quarterback. The Colts also earned 10 division championships and two AFC titles during his stewardship.
Irsay-Gordon’s more hands-on involvement reflects a continuation of that football-first mindset. While she makes clear that she does not use her headset to intervene in play-calling, she sees it as essential for understanding the intricacies of the game. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter described her as deeply engaged in football discussions, saying she both asks sharp questions and contributes insights drawn from years of observation.
As the Colts prepare for a Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, September 28, Irsay-Gordon’s leadership will again be on display. Indianapolis has been one of the surprise teams of the young season, and its early momentum underscores how the franchise is adapting under its new principal owner. Whether on the sidelines with her notebook or in executive meetings shaping long-term strategy, Carlie Irsay-Gordon is setting her imprint on a new era for the Colts.
