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She’s been doing it for quite some time, but given the Indianapolis Colts’ 8-2 record this season, owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has gone viral numerous times this year for her game day ritual.
Irsay-Gordon, the daughter of the late Jim Irsay, is often seen on the Colts bench wearing headphones, writing in her notebook and taking in everything that unfolds over the course of 60 minutes of play. It’s a hands-on approach rarely seen from owners on game day, but one Irsay-Gordon has insisted on for years.
Daniel Jones, who joined the team this past offseason, got to experience how Irsay-Gordon runs the organization and was impressed, especially with his game-day routine.
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Owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon (R) watches during the 2025 NFL preseason game between the Green Bay Packers and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
“It sure is cool,” he told Pak Gazette Digital while talking about his work with FedEx’s “Power Move” campaign, fresh off the team’s eighth win of the season. “Just his attention to detail, his interest in how hard he works to understand every facet of the organization. Obviously, the play on the field, the game plan, the scheme, everything that goes into that. He takes a lot of time and works a lot to get to know it, really understand it.
“I know she’s said things in the past and how important it is for her to understand them as she runs the organization. But, yeah, I think for all of us players, it’s a great example to see the owner on the bench like that. I think that carries a lot of weight.”
Irsay-Gordon has previously explained why he wears headphones on the sideline during games.
FORMER NFL STAR PRAISES COLTS CO-OWNER CARLIE IRSAY-GORDON FOR HER INVOLVEMENT WITH THE TEAM
“I need to learn more about this. I need to be able to say, ‘Is this person full of nonsense? Does he even know what he’s talking about?'” he told reporters. “And I think one of the things that being on the headset has really helped me learn is, to the previous question, that it’s such a complex organism, a football team, and how it operates. On game day, you can say, ‘Oh, that person took that route wrong,’ when you find out, ‘Oh, someone called the wrong receiver,’ and it really wasn’t the receiver’s fault. It was the person who called it.
“It also helps us know, ‘Where do we need to make adjustments? What resources do we need? What do we need to fix?’ “A lot of it comes down to how we operate and how things work.”
However, the adjustments go far beyond game day.
When the Colts finished 8-9 last season, Irsay-Gordon called position groups into his office. Those types of meetings by owners are generally not good news, but they were not to discipline the players.
She really wanted to know what could be fixed within the organization.
Indianapolis Colts CEO and owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon watches game action against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium on September 28, 2025. (Gary A. Vásquez/Imagn Images)
“He wanted to make sure the necessary changes were made to the building,” tight end Mo Alie-Cox told ESPN. “She just wanted to make sure we felt at home and comfortable.
“And those changes have definitely happened. He was asking questions about the cafeteria, travel, a lot of different things. He showed that he definitely cares about us as players and that he followed our advice.”
Added left tackle Bernhard Raimann: “I didn’t expect it at all.”
The passion and dedication that Irsay-Gordon shows to his team is not only felt within the building, but also extends to Colts fans.
Last weekend, the Colts were in Berlin, Germany, to play the first NFL regular season game in the city when Irsay-Gordon surprised his loyal fans with a round of drinks at a local bar. He even learned to say it in German.
It’s a different approach to ownership, but one that resonates with everyone in the building, including newcomer Jones.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones throws before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Oct. 5, 2025. (AJ Mast/AP Photo)
Irsay-Gordon is just one of the many reasons Jones, who will be a free agent in 2026 after signing just a one-year deal with the team, loves playing in Indianapolis.
“I will say I really enjoyed it here,” he said when asked if he could see Indy as a long-term home for him. “We have a special group in the locker room. A special group of players. I really enjoy playing for these coaches, working with [head coach] shane [Steichen] and his staff. So like you said, Indy is a sports town. They are really passionate and supportive of us and all the teams here.
“As far as the future, I haven’t really thought much about it. We have a lot on our plate right now, but I really enjoy being here, and I’ve really liked it.”
The power moves with FedEx
Jones returned from Berlin after a win over the Atlanta Falcons and got to work with FedEx for their “Power Move” campaign. When asked what he would say is his power move right now, he responded, “Pass the ball to Jonathan Taylor right now.”
Indianapolis Colts co-owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon walks on the sideline during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on Oct. 5, 2025. (Trevor Ruszkowski/Image Images)
Taylor was just nominated for the fourth time this season for the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Awards program, the fan-voted honor now in its 23rd year. Jones is a big fan of the initiative, which celebrates the NFL’s best performances across the league each week, not just from quarterbacks, but also from running backs, tight ends and wide receivers. And it’s hard not to include Taylor, who had another three-touchdown game overseas.
“She’s been on fire,” Jones said of Taylor. “It seems like every week he shows up and tops the week before and [is] Super, super consistent for us running the ball. These explosive runs, especially in the second half, when we get into these games where they’ve worn him down a little bit, he finds a seam and he bursts it. I think the offensive line obviously deserves a lot of credit for those things as well. But it’s been amazing, so I’ll definitely support it. “He has my vote for FedEx Ground Player of the Year, and I know they will do it again this year.”
