Jim Irsay’s passing at the age of 65 leaves the Indianapolis Colts considering the future of his legacy, with many speculating that his eldest daughter, Carlie Irsay, may take the lead as the family grieves.
As vice chair and co-owner, Carlie Irsay-Gordon is ready to lead the franchise forward and be a dedicated wife and mother.
Born in 1981 to Jim Irsay and Meg Coyle, Carlie grew up with her sisters, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, in a family connected to the Colts, the legacy her grandfather, Robert Irsay, built.
Her father inspired her to love the team, and she has taken that passion into her career.
Her education and personal passions shaped Carlie’s journey to leadership. She attended Skidmore College, where she studied religion and geoscience, showing her curiosity about the world and its deeper meanings.
Later, she pursued a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Argosy University, graduating in 2010.
That same year, she joined the Indianapolis Colts, working closely with her father to keep the team’s values and vision.
Carlie’s blend of academic rigor and emotional intelligence has made her a respected figure within the organization, balancing strategic decision-making with a genuine care for the team’s community.
Carlie’s Personal Life Revolves Around Her Husband, Zach Gordon, And Three Children
Carlie Irsay’s Husband, Zach Gordon, is a dedicated attorney and father who enhances her strength and dedication.
Carlie and Zach have a strong partnership based on respect, shared values, and a deep love for their family.
Zach, an accomplished lawyer at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP in Indianapolis, has been by Carlie’s side as she faces her high-profile role with the Colts, especially during this challenging time following her father’s passing.
Zach’s professional journey is as impressive as Carlie’s.
He earned a BA in History from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 2005, emphasizing the development of world religions.
His passion for learning led him to Baylor University School of Law, where he graduated in 2007.
He then received a J.D. from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2009.
After a brief time as a summer associate at Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, Zach served as a postgraduate judicial intern for Chief Judge James F. Holderman in Chicago.
He later returned to Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione as an attorney for two years before joining Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP in 2012.
At Taft, Zach represents diverse clients, from individuals to large corporations, in matters spanning everyday commercial transactions to complex mergers, acquisitions, and recapitalizations.
His expertise and dedication earned him praise as an Honoree in Best Lawyers in America for Corporate Law in 2021 and an Indiana Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2017 to 2020.
Based in Indianapolis, Zach’s work keeps him close to home, allowing him to support Carlie and their family while contributing to the local community.
Carlie and Zach are proud parents to three children: Charlotte, Dylan, and Elliot Irsay-Gordon.
The couple values their privacy, keeping their family life largely out of the public eye.
Despite their low-profile approach, glimpses into their world, such as Zach’s Instagram account, reveal a family that loves togetherness.
Photos from holidays and moments spent with Carlie and their children highlight Zach’s role as a devoted husband and father who finds joy in simple, heartfelt moments.
Their eldest daughter, Charlotte, is a standout student at Park Tudor High School, where she’s part of the class of 2028.
An athlete like her mother, Charlotte, plays on the women’s varsity lacrosse team, proudly wearing the #3 jersey since 2023.
Dylan and Elliot, while younger, are equally loved, and the family’s close-knit bond is apparent in their shared dedication to supporting one another.
Carlie and Zach live in Indianapolis with their three children.
Their home helps Carlie manage her busy job with the Colts while also being a mother and wife.
The city, where the Colts are an important part of life, feels like a continuation of their family’s legacy.
Zach’s workplace at Taft Stettinius & Hollister is conveniently located nearby, enabling him to be present for both his professional clients and his family.
The Loss Of Jim Irsay Is Indeed Hard For Carlie, Who Shared A Close Bond With Her Father
Jim greatly impacted her career and maintained her strong connection to the Colts.
As she processes this grief, Carlie leans on her husband, Zach, her mother, Meg, her sisters, Casey and Kalen, and her three children.
Their support provides her with the strength to guide this challenging chapter, both personally and professionally.
Carlie’s empathy, honed through her psychology studies, will support her new role with the Colts. Zach’s steady presence complements her leadership as they honor Jim Irsay’s legacy while carving their own path.
As the Indianapolis Colts face an uncertain future, Carlie Irsay-Gordon stands as a beacon of continuity and hope.
Her dedication to the team, rooted in her father’s vision, is matched only by her commitment to her family.
With Carlie Irsay’s Husband, Zach Gordon, by her side, she is ready to lead with grace, supported by a family that shares her values and a community that believes in her.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Carlie’s grandfather, Robert Irsay, established the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts franchise in 1972 and owned it until his death in 1997.
- The Indianapolis Business Journal named her to their “Forty Under 40” list in 2015.
- Irsay-Gordon has been a top Colts executive since 2008.
