The Colts are moving forward with the late Jim Irsay’s transition plan for ownership. This plan calls for his three daughters to take control of the team.
The team said Monday that Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson each would continue to hold the title of owner, which they have done since 2012 when they were named vice chairs. Irsay-Gordon is now the CEO, and Foyt is the executive vice president. This leaves Jackson to be the chief brand officer.
Jim Irsay passed away last month at age 65. He had long battled history of health issues and addiction. As of last season had been far less visible following a fall at his home in December, and he was a bit quieter than normal for most of the season.
All three of his daughters grew up around the Colts, just as their father did before taking over as owner following the death of his father, Robert Irsay, in 1997.
Irsay-Gordon has represented the Colts at various NFL meetings since 2004, three years before Foyt joined the front office. Foyt had previously worked for the NFL in London. Jackson has been leading the family’s initiative to raise awareness of mental health.
While this may be a new time for the Colts, the vision remains the same. Carlie Irsay-Gordon has this to say at a press conference when it comes to the standard of the team and expectations for next season.
Irsay-Gordon insisted “we are very confident’’ in the direction of the Colts behind general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen. “Having said that, as my dad said before he passed, Chris and Shane know that they have things they need to fix,’’ she said. “We have a standard here, and it hasn’t been good enough.
“Winning is great, but I would even take it a step further in saying we’re really committed to being the best. And if we’re the best, we will win games.
“I think Chris and Shane are totally capable of doing that, and we’re confident they can.’’
“We are so proud to continue our dad’s legacy, beginning with carrying out his foremost wish, to keep the Colts in our family,’’ Irsay-Gordon said. “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 this.’’
This is what Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson had to say on the matter:
“The Horseshoe basically represented so much to our dad . . . in fact, we all have the same Horseshoe tattoo, which my dad had as well. . . . we’re going to try to live on his legacy in the best way that he has taught us from the very beginning.’’
“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,’’ she said.
The Colts look to have an interesting season ahead, as change could loom, upgrades could be made, or we could see the Colts rebuilt from Head Coach and General Manager. Next season will be a big one for the Colts.
Jaden Chandler-Parnell, or “JC” is a Sports & Sports Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports. You can Follow him on X @Jaden95Chandler and on YouTube
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