Meet Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Jim Irsay’s Daughter and the Future Face of Colts Ownership
Carlie Irsay-Gordon is stepping into the spotlight. After her father Jim Irsay’s passing on May 21, 2025, she is expected to become the new owner of the Indianapolis Colts. This moment has been years in the making. And now, she’s ready to carry her family’s legacy forward.
Let’s dive into who she is and what this means for the future of the Colts.
A Lifetime with the Colts
Carlie was born in 1981. Her entire life has been tied to the Colts organization. From a young age, she saw what it meant to run a football team. Her grandfather, Robert Irsay, owned the Colts starting in 1971. Then her father, Jim Irsay, took over in 1997.
Carlie followed in their footsteps. But she earned her place. She didn’t just inherit the role. She worked her way up.
Before becoming a co-owner, she worked in the Colts’ ticket office. She also spent time in marketing. This gave her a ground-level view of how the business ran.
In 2008, she officially became vice chair and co-owner. Her sisters, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, joined her in leadership in 2012. Together, the three sisters formed a strong team, working in sync to shape the Colts’ future.
Leading with Heart and Hustle
Carlie Irsay-Gordon is more than just a figurehead. She is deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the team.
She has worked closely with general managers like Ryan Grigson and Chris Ballard. She’s often seen on the sidelines, wearing a headset, listening to coaches and studying game strategy.
That kind of commitment stands out.
She also leads the team’s efforts in digital media, content, and production. She believes in staying connected with fans and building a strong online presence.
Former GM Ryan Grigson once said of her, “She expects excellence, just like her father.” But he also noted how respectful and down-to-earth she is. “You know who’s in charge,” he said, “but the delivery is something unique.”
A Look at Her Life Beyond Football
Carlie graduated from Skidmore College in 2005. She earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and also studied geoscience. Her education gave her a broad perspective, which she brings into her leadership role.
She is married to Zach Gordon, an attorney based in Indianapolis. Zach is a partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP. He works in intellectual property and business law. The couple has three children.
This makes Carlie a busy woman. She’s balancing motherhood, marriage, and now, running an NFL team.
What’s Next for the Colts?
With Jim Irsay gone, Carlie is expected to lead the Colts into a new era. But she won’t be doing it alone. Her sisters will be by her side, just as they have been for over a decade.
This trio of women is making history in a male-dominated sport. And they’re doing it with strength, grace, and a deep love for football.
They represent the third generation of Irsays to lead the franchise. And they seem more than ready to honor the legacy their father and grandfather built.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon has the experience. She has the respect of the front office. And she has the heart.
Now, she has the reins.
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