JUST IN: Today, the three sisters who are making NFL history delivered a statement that surprised everyone, including….
When the Indianapolis Colts kicked off their season with a 33-8 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, a familiar face was missing from the proceedings: Jim Irsay, the billionaire who was the NFL franchise’s owner and CEO from 1997 until his death in May.
While Irsay was honored with an introduction into Indianapolis’ Ring of Honor, his legacy was on display in another way, as his three daughters — the new stewards of the franchise — presided over their first regular-season win as the team’s new brain trust.
“I grew up in the league when there weren’t any women in the locker room,” Kalen Jackson, Irsay’s youngest daughter, told NBC News Now. Jackson is now a co-owner of the team, as well as its chief brand officer. “It was bizarre, almost, to have our dad bring us in, because there were no women trainers, there were no women coaches. He was the one reminding us you deserve to be here. Don’t forget that.”
The CEO of the Colts is Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the eldest of the three, who was seen patrolling the sidelines in Week 1. Irsay-Gordon admits to still hearing her dad when she’s running up and down the field and wanted to text him her thoughts about the game after the win.
She also admits to feelings of uncertainty even as she feels ready to guide the franchise forward.
“I think the beauty — and sometimes, obviously, it can be scary — but in sports, there’s uncertainty,” Irsay-Gordon told NBC News Now, adding that even in the plans to build the best team, things can often go awry.
She added: “I actually think that part is fun. If you like that challenge, there’s always an opportunity within a problem.”
For now, the sisters in part continue to lean on their father, who they say empowered them at a young age.
“He always gave us the strength and the courage to know and believe in ourselves and believe in that we can do this one day,” said Casey Foyt, the middle sister. “And this is the day.”
While the three women adjust on the fly to their new roles within the organization, one thing can’t be doubted: They still want to win.
Indianapolis surprised many with its dominant display in Week 1, putting up the largest margin of victory in the NFL’s opening slate of games. New quarterback Daniel Jones looked sharp, throwing for 272 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for two more.
Meanwhile, the defense forced the Dolphins into three turnovers and held them to only one score late in the fourth quarter.
“It’s not a rebuilding year,” Irsay-Gordon said. “I think our fans deserve a winning product every year, so that’s what we’re going to stick to.”
Leave a Reply