Colts franchise remains a family business
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From left, Kalen Jackson, Casey Foyt and Carlie Irsay-Gordon represent a new generation of Colts leadership. Photo: Courtesy of the Indianapolis Colts
The Colts' new owners are committed to keeping the franchise a family business.
Why it matters: Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson say they've been preparing for this moment and share the dedication for the team carried by their late father Jim Irsay.
What they're saying: "To say that we love our dad and miss him terribly would be an understatement," Irsay-Gordon said at a recent press conference, the first public remarks made after her father's death. "We are so proud to continue our dad's legacy, beginning with carrying out his foremost wish, to keep the Colts in our family.
- "We want our fans to know that we've spent decades in our family business learning every aspect of our organization under our dad's leadership. It was sometimes trial by fire, and I'm forever grateful for the invaluable experience that I've gained. It has prepared me and my sisters for moments like today."
The big picture: The ownership transition has made the Colts one of 12 NFL teams with women owners, fitting for a franchise in a city that wants to become the mecca of women in sports over the next 25 years.
Zoom in: As they prepare to shape the team's future, let's look at how they've served the organization:
Carlie Irsay-Gordon: Now co-owner and CEO.
- Joined the Colts in 2008 while pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Skidmore College.
- Created and runs the Tony Dungy Diversity Coaching Fellowship and Harriet P. Irsay Fellowship for Women in Football programs.
- Is on the NFL's Media Owned & Operated Committee, the 32 Equity Committee, the Security & Fan Conduct Committee and the board of the NFL Player Care Foundation.
Fun fact: She wears a headset on the sidelines during games to better understand each play call and support coaches.
Casey Foyt: Now co-owner and executive VP.
- Joined the Colts in 2007 with a focus on marketing and community relations.
- After graduating from Indiana University with a sports marketing degree, worked for the NFL in London. Helped plan the first regular season NFL game played outside of the U.S.
- Helped revitalize the Indianapolis Colts Women's Organization and planned the organization's first major fundraiser.
Kalen Jackson: Now co-owner, chief brand officer and Indianapolis Colts Foundation president.
- Joined the Colts in 2010 and led the Irsay family's community and philanthropic efforts after graduating from IU with a degree in sports management and marketing.
- Heads the team's Kicking The Stigma initiative, an effort launched by the Irsay family in 2020 to improve mental health awareness, research and treatment in Indiana and beyond.
What's next: Colts nation will honor Jim Irsay's memory when he is inducted as the 20th member into the Colts Ring of Honor during the season opener against the Dolphins.
- His father, Robert Irsay, was the inaugural Ring of Honor inductee in 1996.
Plus: In the month following Irsay's passing, more than $225,000 was donated to Kicking The Stigma.