When Jim Irsay took control of the Indianapolis Colts in 1997, he made his intentions crystal clear: “We’re keeping 100 percent of the team, and I’m passing it on to my children.” Last month, after Irsay’s sudden death at 65, his three daughters discovered he meant every word.
The Colts officially announced their ownership reorganization Monday, revealing a Colts ownership transition that had been years in the making. Unlike many NFL succession plans that end in courtroom battles, this handover appears remarkably smooth—exactly as Jim Irsay planned it.
Eldest daughter Carlie Irsay-Gordon steps into the biggest role as owner, CEO, and principal owner. NFL rules require teams to designate one principal owner even when families share control, and Irsay-Gordon has been the most involved in day-to-day operations for years. She’s served on numerous ownership committees and could regularly be found everywhere from the sideline to the draft room.
Each sister carved out her own path
Jim Irsay didn’t just hand his daughters generic executive roles—he encouraged them to find areas of the franchise that matched their interests and talents. The result is a Colts ownership transition that plays to each woman’s strengths.
Casey Foyt becomes owner and executive vice president, while youngest sister Kalen Jackson takes on owner and chief brand officer duties. Jackson also gets to run the Indianapolis Colts Foundation, giving her a platform to impact the community beyond football.
“Irsay encouraged his daughters to seek out areas of the team that aligned with their interests, allowing each to settle into their respective roles,” the team noted. This wasn’t a case of nepotism run wild—these women earned their positions through years of hands-on involvement with the franchise.
Much smoother than last time around
Anyone who remembers the chaos when Bob Irsay died in 1997 can appreciate how different this Colts ownership transition feels. Back then, Nancy Irsay—Bob’s wife and Jim’s stepmother—filed a lawsuit alleging conspiracy to interfere with her inheritance. The legal battle created uncertainty about the franchise’s future until an out-of-court settlement kept the team with Jim Irsay.
This time, there’s no family drama or courtroom fighting. Jim Irsay spent decades preparing his daughters for this moment, and it shows in how seamlessly they’re stepping into leadership roles.
The Irsay family has owned the Colts since 1972, representing one of the longest periods of sustained ownership in NFL history. Now that legacy continues with a new generation that’s been groomed for leadership rather than thrust into it unprepared.
Three sisters, one shared vision
The beauty of this Colts ownership transition lies in how it preserves family control while bringing fresh perspectives to the franchise. Each sister brings different skills and interests to their roles, potentially strengthening the organization in ways a single owner might not.
Irsay-Gordon’s extensive experience with ownership committees and daily operations makes her the natural choice to handle the principal owner responsibilities. Foyt’s executive vice president role positions her to oversee key business operations, while Jackson’s brand and foundation work connects the team to its community roots.
Jim Irsay died May 21, ending an era that began when he was just a young man taking over from his father. Now his daughters get to write the next chapter of a family story that’s been intertwined with Indianapolis football for more than 50 years. The Colts ownership transition represents more than just a business succession—it’s the continuation of a legacy that helped transform Indianapolis into a football town.
