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Stephen Holder
INDIANAPOLIS — Following yet another disappointing season for the Indianapolis Colts, players faced an uncertain meeting as they were called by co-owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon.
In January 2025, Mo Alie-Cox and his fellow tight ends were making their way to the owners’ office suites in the Colts’ complex after an 8-9 finish, eager to discover what lay ahead.
«I had never even been on that side of the building,» recalled Alie-Cox, who is in his eighth season with the team. «I didn’t know what to expect.»
Alie-Cox expressed his surprise to his younger teammates, saying, «Ownership is calling for us? This is unprecedented. And I’ve been here for quite some time.»
The tight end group had underperformed last season, finishing near the bottom of the NFL with a mere 467 receiving yards, leading to speculation about their future.
However, Irsay-Gordon, who took over as owner and CEO in June after the passing of her father, Jim Irsay, aimed not to cast blame but to foster a connection with the players. Bernhard Raimann shared his thoughts on the meeting, stating, «I did not see that coming.»
Her approach, which includes surprising acts like treating fans to drinks before a game in Berlin and joining players in the weight room, sets her apart from typical billionaire owners. Players describe Irsay-Gordon as refreshingly accessible, showing genuine interest in their lives while maintaining high expectations.
«There’s a comfortability because we’re so familiar,» linebacker Zaire Franklin noted. «However, make no mistake, she’s in charge.»
Irsay-Gordon’s frequent presence on the Colts’ sideline and her engagement during games, often seen with a headset and playcall sheet, has raised public intrigue, especially with the Colts currently holding a strong 8-2 record in the league.
Even prior to joining the sidelines, she avoided the owner’s suite, preferring a booth among the football operations staff, offering her insights while learning about team decisions.
«Somebody asked me, is she micromanaging? I’m like, ‘No, man.’ She’s genuinely just trying to learn and understand the complexities of being an NFL owner,» linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. remarked.
Irsay-Gordon’s deep involvement in team dynamics likely emboldened her decision to execute last week’s significant trade with the New York Jets, which saw Indianapolis part ways with two first-round picks and receiver Adonai Mitchell for star cornerback Sauce Gardner. She was actively monitoring the situation leading up to the deal.
On Nov. 3, the day before the trade, she and general manager Chris Ballard met, where she ultimately greenlit the decision after they reached an agreement.
Players have noted her keen interest in their lives, with Michael Pittman Jr. sharing that Irsay-Gordon goes beyond surface-level understanding, stating, «She knows things about her players,» which is seldom seen among team owners.
Her engagement isn’t just with the star players. «Whether you’re Jonathan Taylor or on the practice squad,» Pittman said, «She wants to hear what everyone has to say. You don’t see that with other owners… I could call her at any hour and she’d pick up.»
Raimann added, «The Irsays make an effort to know each of us on a personal level. I’ve never played on another team, but this surprised me.»
With Irsay-Gordon’s leadership, players feel an increased motivation, knowing ownership is equally invested in their success. «It makes it so much easier to play for this team, with ownership that truly cares about everything, driving us to put in our best effort every day,» he said.
Irsay-Gordon maximizes every opportunity; while in the gym, she uses the time to review documents or notes. She dedicates substantial hours to team and position meetings, ensuring she grasps the finer details. Special teams coordinator Brian Mason recently commented that he can’t recall a meeting he had that she wasn’t part of.
Though she rarely speaks up, players have noted her presence, with Pittman recalling, “During my rookie season, she sat quietly at the back of our wide receivers’ meetings for over a month before I even realized who she was.”
Walker shared an instance where she stopped him to dive deeper into topics discussed in meetings. Kenny Moore II remarked on the rare quality of such dedication from ownership, relating it to the deep commitment her late father had for the team.
The Irsay family has always brought a human aspect to team ownership, a legacy that Irsay-Gordon continues. She and Franklin have bonded, particularly amid the emotional aftermath of Jim Irsay’s death.
«I’ve also lost my parents, so I relate to her pain,» Franklin shared. «I truly value our friendship.»
This dynamic isn’t typical; Irsay-Gordon forges a unique rapport that transcends traditional roles. «I believe any workplace should emulate this kind of leadership,» concluded Moore, «where the person at the helm is this invested.»
