On a quiet Monday morning, the Indianapolis Colts did something deeply iconic. They honored the past by naming the future. After the death of longtime owner Jim Ilsai, the franchise has announced that all three daughters (Kaly Ilsai Gordon, Casey Foyt and Karen Jackson) will now serve as the team owners. At the helm, Carly moves forward as CEO and principal owner, a role she has been preparing for for a long time.
That moment is not just a change in title, but a continuation of a heritage built over generations. Irsay’s name has been sewn onto NFL fabrics since 1972 when Robert Irsay purchased Baltimore Colts. That thread spreads from Baltimore to the heart of Indiana, and now through Carly’s leadership, it boldly moves into the future.
Her rise to CEO wasn’t sudden. This was a plan, silently broken, faithfully carried, and purposefully revealed.
#colts Details have been released regarding the transfer of ownership from the late Jim Ilsai to his daughters, Kari Ilsai Gordon, Casey Foyt and Karen Jackson.
Kari Ilsai Gordon has become owner and CEO, with all three sisters sharing the club’s leadership roles. pic.twitter.com/9go253jwz2
– Ari Meirov (@mysportsupdate) June 9, 2025
A franchise built on family and soccer
For over 50 years, the Colts have been a family affair. From Robert to Jim to now his daughters, the franchise’s stewardship has never left Ilsai’s hands. This was a journey marked by victory and trials. Peyton Manning’s glow, Super Bowl title, and Andrew Luck’s unexpected retirement.
Through it, Irsay’s daughters were part of the story. Since 2012, Carly, Casey and Karen have each played a prominent role within the team’s structure. They shaped branding, community initiatives, and front office decisions. Monday’s news has just made it official what has been a long-standing reality behind the scenes. They are the next generation.
Kari Ilsai Gordon’s appointment as CEO affirms that she will carry the torch as both a leader and a symbol.
#colts Details have been released regarding the transfer of ownership from the late Jim Ilsai to his daughters, Kari Ilsai Gordon, Casey Foyt and Karen Jackson.
Kari Ilsai Gordon has become owner and CEO, with all three sisters sharing the club’s leadership roles. pic.twitter.com/9go253jwz2
– Ari Meirov (@mysportsupdate) June 9, 2025
Leadership weight and questions under the center
If leadership starts with a vision, it is maintained by the outcome. That reality is looming for Kali Ilsai Gordon. She continues a team rich in tradition, but is particularly uncertain about the direction she is in the quarterback position. Since Andrew Luck’s stunning exit in 2019, the Colts have cycled names in hopes of finding their next franchise leader. Philip Rivers provided a short spark. Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan followed. Still, the answer remained elusive.
#colts From Jim Ilsai to her daughters Carly Ilsai Gordon, Karen Jackson and Casey Foyt, they announced plans for a change in ownership. pic.twitter.com/qrwh8iuybd
– Jakearthur (@jakearthurnfl) June 9, 2025
Anthony Richardson was drafted to be that solution: a dual threat quarterback full of possibilities. But the injured rookie year and careful offseason have raised questions. If 2025 brings the same thing, Carly could face one of her first major football decisions.
It’s not just the guy under the center. That’s what he represents: a return to the postseason stage. Carly’s leadership is defined by those decisions, just like her last name.
Carrying the spirit of Jim Ilsai, with her own vision
Jim Irsay was a unique being. It was Mercurial, passionate and deeply invested in the franchise and its people. His fingerprints remain in everything from a bold draft day decision to advocate for mental health and bringing the Super Bowl Trophy to Indianapolis. Now that spirit lives on through his daughter.
Carly intervene in this role, not just respectful, but also prepared. She learned the business, community and emotional weight of Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Alongside her sisters, Casey Foyt is executive VP and Karen Jackson is chief brand officer – Carly represents not only new chapters but collective chapters.
Their leadership reflects modernity and tradition, ambition and continuity. And as the Colts chase the next playoff run, the images of three daughters moving their father’s dreams forward become one of the quietest and most powerful stories in the NFL.
In leagues that feel rooted in the present, the Colts provide reminders. Some heritage is not inherited.
