INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Jim Irsay made every effort to ready his three daughters to carry on the legacy of his cherished Indianapolis Colts.
Carly Irsay Gordon, Casey Voyt, and Karen Jackson are determined to honor their late father’s memory while striving for another Super Bowl championship.
“Beyond our family, his greatest passion was being the steward of the Indianapolis Colts,” stated Irsay-Gordon. “We feel privileged and honored to step into the same role he held.”
During a press conference on Tuesday, the Colts announced an ownership transition, showcasing Irsay-Gordon as CEO of the team, with Voyt as executive vice president and Jackson as Chief Brand Officer.
Irsay-Gordon noted that their father’s “primary wish” was to keep the Colts within the family. He passed away last month at the age of 65, having faced long-standing health and addiction struggles, which worsened after a fall at home in December 2023.
“We have devoted decades to learning every facet of the organization under our father’s leadership,” said Irsay-Gordon. “It’s sometimes been a trial by fire, and I’m eternally grateful for the invaluable experiences I’ve gained. My sisters and I have been preparing for a moment like this.”
Irsay began his journey in the Colts equipment room and assumed ownership after his father, Robert Irsay, passed away in 1997.
Irsay-Gordon emphasized the need for her to engage in various departments such as marketing and management while navigating her path as a woman in sports. She remarked that her father took immense pride in seeing each of his daughters carve out their unique roles within the franchise.
Before her stint in the London NFL, Voyt reminisces about countless training camps, handling calls, and marketing from the front desk. She returned to the Colts’ front office in 2007 and mentioned that all three sisters bear the same horseshoe tattoos, representing their bond to their father and the franchise.
“We’ve been part of the NFL and the team for many years,” said Voyt. “Having grown up here in Indy, we recognize that the value of our team and our commitment to the city of Indianapolis are as significant now as they were during our father’s time.”
The Irsay sisters have held ownership titles since 2012 after being named Vice Chairs. Irsay-Gordon has represented the Colts at various NFL meetings since 2004, while Jackson spearheaded family initiatives to raise awareness about mental health.
Jackson described Tuesday as “very bittersweet,” acknowledging that even though Irsay could not witness this moment herself, their decisions are made with his wisdom deeply engrained in their hearts.
“This is a tremendous opportunity, and we never take it for granted,” Jackson added.
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Source: apnews.com