Who is Carlie Irsay-Gordon? Meet Jim Irsay’s daughter who is expected to become the new face of Colts ownership | NFL News
The Indianapolis Colts are entering a new era of leadership, one rooted in legacy and family values. Following the recent passing of longtime owner Jim Irsay, his eldest daughter Carlie Irsay-Gordon is set to take the reins of the storied franchise. She will be supported by her sisters, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, as the three women move forward with the responsibility of stewarding their father’s vision for the team.
Jim Irsay’s passing leaves Colts’ future in the hands of his daughter Carlie Irsay-Gordon
While the Colts’ statement did not delve into the specifics of their succession plan, it highlighted what mattered most to Jim Irsay. “Jim’s dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed. Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them,” Colts COO Pete Ward shared.Carlie Irsay-Gordon is now expected to “assume control of the Colts’ football operations,” as reported by The Indianapolis Star. At 44, she becomes the third generation of the Irsay family to lead the team. Her grandfather, Bob Irsay, originally acquired the Colts in 1971, and Jim took over in 1997 following his father’s death. Now, Carlie steps into a leadership role her father prepared her for—one she briefly held during Jim’s well-documented struggles with addiction and legal issues.In fact, Carlie’s experience in football operations isn’t recent. After joining the team as vice president in 2008, she became instrumental in shaping the Colts’ digital strategy, content production, and internal operations. Her earlier internships in marketing and football operations, coupled with her academic background in religious studies from Skidmore College, have helped her grow into the dynamic leader she is today.She’s also served on severalNFL committees, giving her a league-wide perspective and the experience to carry the Colts forward.Her sisters are no less accomplished. Kalen Jackson, who joined the Colts in 2010, currently spearheads the family’s mental health initiative Kicking the Stigma, aiming to break down barriers and increase awareness around mental health disorders. “Like her sisters, Jackson grew up with the Colts organization as a significant part of her life since birth,” the team’s website notes. Her contributions have helped the franchise broaden its impact beyond the field.Casey Foyt, the youngest of the three, adds a global dimension to the Colts’ leadership team. After earning her degree in sports marketing from Indiana University, she joined the NFL’s London office, where she worked on organizing the league’s first regular-season game outside North America. Her strategic vision and international experience have added a valuable edge to the Colts’ evolving brand.The Irsay daughters were formally granted the titles of vice chair/owners in 2012, a quiet yet meaningful move that laid the groundwork for this transition. Their mother, Meg Coyle, who was married to Jim for 33 years, also played a significant role in keeping the family together through turbulent times. “After 33 years, we have mutually agreed to end our marriage,” they said in a 2013 joint statement, highlighting their continued commitment to their children despite the separation.Jim Irsay’s later years also saw a unique partnership with Michelle Paul, a vegan activist who encouraged his interest in holistic health. Paul was credited with helping Irsay in personal healing efforts and was involved in initiatives like the movement to relocate the orca Lolita to a seaside sanctuary, a cause praised by animal rights group PETA.Though Michelle Paul was a part of Irsay’s life in his final chapter, the Colts’ official statement focused solely on his daughters—a subtle yet poignant reminder of where the franchise’s future now lies.With Carlie Irsay-Gordon at the helm and her sisters by her side, the Colts’ legacy is poised to continue under a new generation of leadership—one built on resilience, family bonds, and a vision that extends well beyond the football field.Also Read: What made Jim Irsay a beloved figure in the NFL and how the NFL community is remembering the Indianapolis Colts owner
