Sister Trio Takes Over as Leaders of Indianapolis Colts After Jim Irsay’s Passing

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The Indianapolis Colts are not only kicking off a new season on the field but also a new era off it. Following the death of longtime team owner Jim Irsay in May, his three daughters are now at the helm — the only sister trio to own a team in the NFL.

Carly Ursae Gordon, now serving as CEO, is often spotted on the sidelines in a headset. Her sister Casey Foyt oversees marketing and community relations, and even adopted their father’s beloved dog, Drake. The youngest, Kalen Jackson, serves as chief brand officer and leads the Colts Foundation. Together, they say their father instilled in them the confidence to belong in the league at a time when women were rarely seen in leadership roles.

The sisters were closely involved with the team for years, notably co-leading “Kicking the Stigma,” an initiative with their father focused on mental health and substance abuse awareness. Now, each is carving her own leadership path while honoring their father’s vision.

Their rise comes as more women take on higher-profile roles across the NFL. Last year, 15 women held full-time coaching positions, up from 10 the year before. Philadelphia’s Autumn Lockwood made history in February as the first Black female coach to win a Super Bowl. Women are also expanding roles as referees, executives, and increasingly represent nearly half of the league’s fan base.

For the Colts, the sisters say this is not a rebuilding year after finishing 8-9 last season. “Our fans deserve a winning product every year,” Carly Ursae Gordon said. “That’s what we’re going to stick to.”

The bond between the sisters remains central to their leadership. “There’s going to be highs and lows, especially in the NFL, but we have each other. I know our dad’s watching and so proud,” said Gordon, holding back emotion.

As Indianapolis looks ahead to a fresh season, the sisters say their father’s legacy motivates them to prove they belong — and to fight for the next generation of women in football.

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