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Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon defends presence on sideline

By Thomson Reuters Oct 7, 2026 | 10:06 AM

By Field Level Media

Oct 07 (Field Level Media) – Indianapolis Colts principal owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon is tuning out the noise from critics questioning her presence on ​the sideline during game days.

Irsay-Gordon found herself in ‌the spotlight after television cameras captured her approaching a coach and asking questions during Sunday’s 30-13 victory over the Washington Commanders in London.

While some have been outspoken about her presence on the sideline, ‌she ​contends that she’s trying to listen ⁠to what matters.

“I like ⁠to say on a good day I have like a fifth-grade reading level understanding of the game and just the basic concepts of what we’re trying to ​do, depending on the week and depending on our opponent and depending on the situation,” Irsay-Gordon told ⁠Front Office Sports Tonight on Monday ⁠in London.

“But I think, then, it just ​helps to understand and to ask questions because I think ​one of the things, in my opinion, like ‌being a good leader is about listening, really to understand. And I think that’s what the best teams do.”

Irsay-Gordon, 45, has been actively involved in various front office roles ⁠with the Colts. She transitioned to principal owner in the succession plan put in place by her father, late owner ⁠and CEO Jim ‌Irsay, prior to his death on May ⁠21, 2025.

Irsay-Gordon served as an intern for ​the ‌Colts and is a member of multiple ​league committees. ⁠She attended owners meetings and tended to official league business at her father’s side — and independently on behalf of ownership — since 2004.

She and her siblings — Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson — were named as vice chairs/co-owners of the Colts in ​2012.

(–Field Level Media)