The Indianapolis Colts are living through a big transition, and the spotlight has squarely fallen on Carlie Irsay-Gordon. Following the passing of her father, longtime owner Jim Irsay, in May 2025, Carlie has stepped in as the franchise’s new leader. Her appointment makes her the first woman to ever run the team, officially beginning a new chapter in Indianapolis.

The Colts’ ownership structure was clarified last June: Carlie Irsay-Gordon as CEO, Casey Foyt as executive vice president, and Kalen Jackson as chief brand officer, though all three have held vice-chair roles since 2012. What drew attention wasn’t just the titles—it was how Carlie introduced herself. In the season opener, she was on the sidelines wearing a headset and taking notes during the Colts’ 29-28 win over the Broncos.

Her visible involvement immediately made waves, showing she wasn’t content being a figurehead. Was this forward-thinking engagement or potential micromanagement? Fans and NFL insiders agree her hands-on style will shape the Colts’ next era. NFL on CBS highlighted her presence, posting a clip on X: “Granddaughter, daughter Carlie Irsay-Gordon, has been on the sidelines… she’s got her earpiece in. She’s listening to plays… taking notes… knows everybody in the organization by name. She’s involved in the business meetings, the football meetings. Very well liked.”

Her hands-on approach signals that she isn’t content to be a figurehead. Her intent is to understand the team from the ground up.

Carlie’s journey toward this role began long before she assumed the CEO title. She revealed during her introduction as principal owner in June 2025 that she had been tracking coach communications as early as 2012, when Chuck Pagano led the team. “That sort of accelerated my, ‘I need to learn more about this. I need to be able to say, ‘Is this person full of BS? Do they know what they’re talking about?’” she said, reflecting on her early learning process. She added that being on the headset has helped her grasp the complexity of a football team on game day. “It’s such a complex organism, a football team, and how it operates on game day.”

At her June 2025 introduction as principal owner, Carlie Irsay-Gordon revealed she’d been listening in on coach communications since 2012 under Chuck Pagano to better grasp game-day decision-making. “I needed to know if someone was genuinely competent or just talking,” she said, adding that the headset gave her insight into the complexity of managing a team.

Now, with the Colts off to their first 2-0 start since 2009, it’s not just the on-field success drawing attention—it’s Carlie’s hands-on style that’s sparking conversation.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon: Setting a new standard

One fan wrote, “Love the hat.” Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s blue-and-white striped shirt stood out on the sidelines at Lucas Oil Stadium. Fans quickly noticed, praising not just her presence but the focus and energy she brought to every moment.

Another remarked, “carlie irsay-gordon you have bewitched me.” Safety Cam Bynum highlighted her rare level of involvement in team operations. “As an owner, that’s insane to me. The fact that she’s sitting in defensive meetings, learning the defense with us, and knowing what the calls are… Being an owner of a team, you don’t have to do any of that. She’s there every single day.”

“Carlie Irsay-Gordon continuing to put on an absolute CLINIC in game-day fits 🔥,” one pointed out. Beyond meetings, Irsay-Gordon even joins team workouts. A commitment, Bynum says, “makes the whole organization feel like a family thing,” showing leadership that resonates deeply inside the locker room.

“Nice one,” a user said. The Irsay sisters’ hands-on approach may invite scrutiny, but it’s clearly making an impact. Their involvement helped the Colts secure their first Week 1 win in over a decade. Coinciding with their father’s induction into the Ring of Honor.

“#Colts Owner/CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon gameday fit check,” one fan tweeted. With decades representing the Colts at NFL meetings, she pairs organizational know-how with a strong sideline presence, earning respect from players and fans alike.

Even quarterback Daniel Jones noticed her dedication. On the Up and Adams podcast, he said, “It’s clear she wants to understand the game plan each week. Her effort to learn and stay engaged is impressive, and you can see how seriously she approaches it.” Carlie isn’t just continuing her father’s legacy—she’s shaping her own leadership style in the NFL.