In the National Football League, where franchises are multi-billion-dollar enterprises, the transition of ownership is one of the most significant and defining moments a team can face. Following the passing of their charismatic and passionate owner, Jim Irsay, the Indianapolis Colts have entered a new era. The franchise has officially transitioned to the next generation of the Irsay family, with all three of his daughters—Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson—taking on ownership roles.
With Carlie Irsay-Gordon assuming the primary leadership position as CEO and principal owner, this move marks a pivotal moment in the history of a storied franchise. It is a story of legacy, family, and the immense challenge of steering a team back to the pinnacle of the sport, with the franchise’s most critical question—the quarterback position—hanging in the balance.
A Family Affair: The Irsay Dynasty and the Colts’ Identity
The identity of the Indianapolis Colts is inextricably linked with the Irsay family. This is not a franchise passed between faceless corporations or anonymous billionaires; it is a true family affair that has spanned more than half a century. The story began in 1972 when Jim’s father, Robert Irsay, purchased the then-Baltimore Colts. His controversial decision to move the team to Indianapolis in the middle of the night in 1984 is a moment etched in NFL folklore, a move that gave the city of Indianapolis its major league identity.
When Jim Irsay assumed full ownership following his father’s death in 1997, he ushered in the most successful period in the franchise’s history. He was a unique and often unconventional owner, known for his deep passion for the team, his rock and roll memorabilia collection, and his candid, fan-first approach on social media. Under his stewardship, the Colts became a perennial contender. They made the postseason in 16 of his 28 seasons at the helm and reached the Super Bowl twice, securing a championship victory in Super Bowl XLI. The new structure, with his three daughters now at the helm, ensures that this unique family legacy will continue to define the culture and identity of the Colts for a new generation.
The Quarterback Conundrum: The Shadow of Manning and Luck
The success of the Jim Irsay era was built on the foundation of two generational quarterback talents. His very first major decision as owner was to select Peyton Manning with the number one overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. This single decision transformed the fortunes of the franchise. Manning became one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, leading the Colts to 11 playoff appearances and their first Super Bowl title in Indianapolis. When Manning’s tenure came to an end due to injury, the Colts were incredibly fortunate to find themselves in a position to draft another can’t-miss prospect, Andrew Luck, with the first overall pick in 2012.
Luck continued the tradition of elite quarterback play, leading the team to four playoff appearances in his six full seasons. However, his shocking and premature retirement in 2019 sent the franchise into a spiral of uncertainty from which it has yet to fully recover. Since then, the Colts have been trapped in a quarterback purgatory, cycling through veteran stop-gaps and unproven prospects. This history creates immense pressure for the new ownership. They inherit a fanbase accustomed to elite quarterback play and a roster that feels just one great leader away from contention. The single most important task facing Carlie Irsay-Gordon and her sisters is solving this quarterback conundrum and finding the next player capable of stepping out of the colossal shadows cast by Manning and Luck.
The Weight of Expectation: Anthony Richardson and the Path Forward
The franchise’s latest attempt to solve this problem is Anthony Richardson, a quarterback drafted with the number four overall pick in 2023, who possesses a rare combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism. However, his development has not been the smooth, linear progression the team had hoped for. His rookie season was cut short by injury, and his subsequent performances have been inconsistent, with his development further hampered by lingering shoulder issues. The 2025 season is now a critical, make-or-break year for the young quarterback.
This places the new ownership in a challenging immediate position. They must publicly support their young quarterback while simultaneously preparing for the possibility that he may not be the long-term answer. It is a delicate balancing act. If Richardson struggles again, Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s first major decision as CEO could very well be to move on and initiate another search for a franchise quarterback, either through the draft or the trade market. The success or failure of the Anthony Richardson project will be the defining narrative of the early years of this new ownership era.
Continuity and a New Vision: The Roles of the Next Generation
While Carlie Irsay-Gordon will serve as the principal owner and public face of the franchise, the new structure emphasizes a collaborative, family-led approach. This was, according to the team, part of the “longstanding plans” set forth by Jim Irsay. Both of her sisters, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, who have held roles with the team since 2012, will continue as owners with significant responsibilities.
Casey Foyt will take on the title of Owner and Executive Vice President, suggesting a key role in the day-to-day business operations of the club. Kalen Jackson will serve as Owner and Chief Brand Officer, a crucial position tasked with managing the team’s image, marketing, and community outreach. She will also serve as the president of the Indianapolis Colts Foundation, continuing the family’s deep commitment to philanthropy in the state of Indiana. This division of roles provides a structure that blends continuity with a fresh perspective, allowing a new generation of leaders to guide one of the NFL’s most cherished family-owned franchises into the future.
