“First team to be fully owned by women?” NFL fans react as Carlie Irsay-Gordon becomes Colts CEO alongside sisters as owners

The Indianapolis Colts announced the transition of team ownership from late owner Jim Irsay to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson on Monday. The team announced that Irsay's daughters would each have a respective role within the franchise.

Fans on social media reacted to the news, with some wondering whether this was a historic moment in the NFL.

"Is this the first team to be fully owned by women?" one asked.

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Notably, the New Orleans Saints became the first NFL team to be fully owned by a woman in 2018. After Tom Benson's death, his wife, Gayle Benson, inherited the team.

A few others wished the new Colts owners the best of luck for the future.

"Congrats to the ladies. To anyone who doesn’t like this doesn’t know the family and doesn’t give them the credit they deserve." another added.

"Lead us into the future ladies. They will do great," one tweeted.

Many were also eager to see how the Colts would fare under the new ownership, while offering condolences to the late team owner Jim Irsay.

"Happy for the ladies, RIP Jim you will be missed," a user tweeted.

"We are in good hands Colts nation. Ready to rally around these women as they take us into the next chapter of Colts football. RIP Mr. Irsay," a fan wrote.

"His whole entire life he has told colts nation that these are the three that will take our franchise to the next step," one commented.

Jim took over as the Colts' owner in 1997 after the death of his father, Robert. Under Jim's ownership, Indy won 10 divisional championships, won two AFC Championships, and won the Super Bowl in 2007.

Jim died on May 21, aged 65.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon will assume role of CEO for the Indinapolis Colts

NFL: Indianapolis Colts CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon - Source: Imagn

Jim Irsay's eldest daughter, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, has assumed the role of CEO for the Colts. She has also been designated principal owner.

Jim's middle child, Casey Foyt, will be the owner and executive vice president of the Colts. The youngest sister, Kalen Jackson, will be the owner and chief brand officer, while also being named president of the Indianapolis Colts Foundation.

The three Irsay sisters have worked in the franchise in various capacities for years. It will be interesting to see how the Colts fare under the new generation of owners.

About the author

Arnold is a journalist covering College Sports and the NFL at Sportskeeda. He has been with the company since August 2022.

Arnold graduated with a degree in Mass Media from MIC. As a sports fanatic, he pursued writing to express his thoughts and opinions on sports events across the globe. He has also worked at Wizcraft and Publicis.

Arnold began supporting the Kansas City Chiefs after watching Patrick Mahomes lead them to Super Bowl glory in 2020. He also has a soft corner for the New York Yankees since he's lived in New York for two years. Arnold's favorite coach of all time is Andy Reid, and the Chiefs dynasty looks far from over.

In his free time, Arnold enjoys reading, exercising, and traveling. He follows several other sports including football, cricket, tennis, basketball, boxing and F1.

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Edited by Gio Vergara