Amid the Indianapolis Colts' 2-2 start to the NFL season, principal owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon remains a presence on her team's sideline, drawing backlash from some harsh critics. She's become the subject of viral videos spotlighting her sideline activities, including reviewing the team's playbook and taking notes. Some have praised her unique approach, while others have strongly criticized it, including analyst and podcaster Bill Simmons.
While in London for the Colts' recent NFL International Series game against the Washington Commanders, Irsay-Gordon spoke with Bridget Condon of Front Office Sports Tonight about all the attention she's drawn. "I like to say on a good day I have like a fifth-grade reading level understanding of the game and just the basic concepts of what we’re trying to do, depending on the week and depending on our opponent and depending on the situation," she said of her approach. More news: Two Clear Favorites Emerge to Sign Pro Bowl WR Tyreek Hill "But I think, then, it just helps to understand and to ask questions because I think one of the things, in my opinion, like being a good leader is about listening, really to understand.
And I think that’s what the best teams do," Irsay-Gordon also said. On the same day as Irsay-Gordon's interview, Simmons called out her approach during his podcast, saying, "I think the owner on the sidelines taking notes is [expletive] nuts" and adding, "I can't believe people in her life haven't talked her out of it." Simmons also said everyone would find it funny if "some, you know, rich guy male owner" was "hovering over and giving advice to the coach" on the sidelines. He added, "Even Jerry Jones wouldn't do that." Irsay-Gordon, 46, has been the principal owner and CEO of the Colts since her father, Jim Irsay, passed away in May 2025.
Last season, Indianapolis got off to a 7-1 start with Daniel Jones as its starting quarterback, but then experienced a disappointing collapse, losing eight of its final nine games. Jones suffered a season-ending injury when he tore his Achilles in December 2025 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He's returned this season as the Colts look to contend again in the AFC South, with the 3-1 Jaguars emerging as their only competition so far.
Indianapolis is off to a 2-2 start this season after this past weekend's 30-17 victory over Washington. The Colts had only 257 yards of offense, but received two rushing touchdowns from Jonathan Taylor and one from Jones. They may have also benefited from the Commanders losing their backup quarterback, Marcus Mariota, to an early injury.
Indianapolis will try to build on the London win when they visit Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Oct. 11. Based on her remarks, Irsay-Gordon has no plans to change what some might see as a non-traditional approach by an owner on the sidelines anytime soon. More news: Bijan Robinson Makes History With Huge Performance in Falcons ‘MNF’ Win For more about the Indianapolis Colts and the NFL, visit Newsweek Sports.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
