The football community was stunned and heartbroken on Wednesday night following the passing of longtime Indianapolis Colts owner, Jim Irsay. In the midst of sorrow, and acknowledging the family’s need to grieve, the issue of the future of the franchise under Jim Irsay’s management since 1997 has been brought up
All sources concur that Carlie Irsay-Gordon will be the leader in assuming control of the family business.
“Irsay-Gordon, 44, is anticipated to co-own the team alongside her sisters, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, who have consistently occupied their own positions within the organization and were officially appointed as vice chair/owners in 2012,” according to Joel A. Erikson of the Indianapolis Star. “However, it is Irsay-Gordon who will mainly oversee the football operations of the franchise after years of preparing to succeed her father whenever the moment arrived.”
Irsay-Gordon has prior experience as an interim CEO, taking on the position during suspensions and whenever her father was not available. She has been significantly engaged with the team since the early 2000s and has earned the respect of colleagues throughout the league.
Dare to Underrate Her
The Irsay family has owned the Colts since 1972, when Jim’s father Robert purchased the team that was based in Baltimore at that time. Similar to his own upbringing, Jim contributed to raising his daughters through the organization. Consequently, the Irsay daughters possess both the expertise and the relationships necessary to thrive in the league.
“Carlie, in particular, will be the ideal contemporary owner,” said an executive from a different team familiar with the family, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder. “At this stage, Carlie has likely been integrated into the business for more than ten years.” She’s intelligent, constantly learning, and diligently strives to grasp football from both a scouting and coaching viewpoint.
The source maintained its strong commendation, highlighting all the reasons that demonstrate Carlie’s innate leadership abilities.
“According to the source, she possesses the unique combination of valuing tradition and having professional skills while remaining unconfined by them, as she is a forward-thinking individual.” “Excellent interpersonal skills as well.” “She will be an excellent caretaker of the organization.”
Another executive, possessing comparable qualifications and ties to the family, also supported Carlie. The source cautioned that it always depends on the company you keep, but if she manages that well, the team will be just fine.
“Individuals may undervalue her if they choose, but she is resilient, astute, clever, works very diligently, understands football, and is creative,” Holder stated from the second source. “She will excel as long as she is in the company of the right individuals.”
A Lifetime Of Readiness For The Irsay Sisters
Carlie was not the sole one of Jim’s three daughters who has been connected with the organization.
Casey Foyt, the middle child of the Irsay family, became a full-time member of the organization in 2007. She earned her degree in sports marketing from Indiana University and has been helping in the team’s marketing and community relations division.
Kalen Jackson, the youngest among the three, has been leading the team’s charitable efforts since becoming a full-time member in 2010. Her engagements are countless to list, but she has a background in mental health, graduating with honors from IU with a bachelor’s degree in sports management and marketing.
“When we were kids, it was, ‘You don’t need to do this.’” “But I adore it,” Carlie Irsay-Gordon stated during a 2017 town hall.
The trio has spent their entire lives getting ready to lead the organization, and while their legendary father will be dearly missed, it appears the organization will be well taken care of.
Evan Cormier is a past Division I football quarterback who holds a Master’s degree in Sports Communication and Media Arts from Sacred Heart University. Additional information on Evan Cormier