A New Era: The Irsay Sisters Take the Helm of the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis, IN – Following the passing of long-time owner and CEO Jim Irsay in May 2025, the Indianapolis Colts franchise has officially transitioned into a new era of leadership. His three daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson, have collectively assumed ownership, stepping into pivotal roles to continue their father’s enduring legacy.
This succession was not a sudden move, but rather a carefully nurtured progression. The Irsay sisters, born to Jim Irsay and his ex-wife Meg Coyle, had already been deeply ingrained in the organization, serving as vice chairs/owners of the Colts since 2012. Their ascent marks a significant moment for the NFL franchise, with each sister now holding a distinct, vital position.
A Vision Realized: Jim Irsay’s Legacy of Family Leadership
For Jim Irsay, seeing his daughters actively involved in the franchise was a profound source of pride and his “foremost wish” was to keep the team within the family. “Probably his biggest dream, other than having a big family and having grandkids and being with us, was to see us do what we’re doing right now,” Kalen Jackson shared in a June 2025 press conference. She added poignantly, “And I think the hardest thing about that is that his biggest dream and goal he always knew he wouldn’t be able to be here to see.” Yet, his dream has been fulfilled through their dedicated leadership.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon: The Strategic CEO
As the eldest, Carlie Irsay-Gordon now leads the charge as the team’s owner and CEO. Her journey through the Colts organization began long before this top executive role, with extensive internships across various departments. Armed with an undergraduate degree in religious studies from Skidmore College and having pursued coursework for a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, Irsay-Gordon officially joined the team as a vice president in 2008. This diverse academic and practical background has forged a leader deeply familiar with the nuances of the business.
At the 2025 press conference, Irsay-Gordon emphasized her hands-on experience: “We have 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.” She is notably recognized for her consistent presence on the sidelines during games, often seen wearing a headset and diligently taking notes. This practice, she explained to the Colts website in June 2025, is crucial for discerning the intricate details of game strategy and performance. “It helps you make a less expensive mistake, potentially,” she advises “anyone else that has to pay coaches and GMs millions and millions of dollars.” Carlie Irsay-Gordon is married to Zach Gordon and they have three children.
Casey Foyt: The Executive Visionary
Casey Foyt, the middle sister, steps into the role of owner and executive vice president. Her involvement with the Colts began early, even working the front desk and answering phones during her high school years. A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in sports marketing, Foyt expanded her NFL experience by working for the league in London, where she played a role in planning the NFL’s first regular season game outside of North America in 2007. She is also credited with spearheading the revitalization of the Indianapolis Colts Women’s Organization.
Foyt shares a unique bond with her sisters and late father, all sporting matching horseshoe tattoos as a permanent symbol of their dedication to the Colts. Following their first regular-season win under the sisters’ ownership, Foyt reflected on her father’s unwavering belief in them: “My dad always gave us the strength and the courage to know and believe in ourselves and believe that we could do this one day. And this is the day.” Casey Foyt is married to Indianapolis 500 veteran Anthony J. Foyt IV, who serves as a scouting assistant for the Colts, and together they are parents to five children.
Kalen Jackson: The Brand and Philanthropic Heart
Kalen Jackson, the youngest of the Irsay daughters, takes on the responsibilities of owner and chief brand officer, while also serving as president of the Indianapolis Colts Foundation. A “true born Hoosier,” as she playfully identifies, Jackson graduated from Indiana University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in sports management and marketing, joining the Colts organization that same year.
Jackson vividly recalls her father’s support in the then male-dominated environment of professional football. “It was bizarre, almost, to have our dad bring us in, because there were no women trainers, there there were no women coaches,” she told NBC News Now. “He was the one reminding us, ‘You deserve to be here. Don’t forget that.’ “
Beyond the business of football, Kalen Jackson is a fervent advocate for mental health. She spearheads the “Kicking The Stigma” initiative, launched in 2020, which aims to raise awareness and combat the stigma associated with mental illnesses. Under her leadership, the initiative has made a significant impact, committing over $31 million to nonprofits dedicated to expanding mental health treatment and research. In July 2025, she accepted the ESPY for Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year, honoring her late father with his timeless quote: “Don’t you dare give up 5 seconds before the miracle.” Kalen Jackson is married to Boyd Jackson and they have two daughters.
The Irsay sisters embody a blend of seasoned experience, diverse expertise, and a deeply personal connection to the Indianapolis Colts. As they navigate the future of the franchise, they do so with the profound understanding that they are not just owners, but custodians of a cherished family legacy.
