Jim Irsay (Photo By Grace Hollars/IndyStar USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images-Imagn Images)
The Indianapolis Colts turned a bittersweet page in their franchise history on Monday. Months after announcing the d3ath of longtime owner Jim Irsay, the organization has officially passed the reins to a new generation. The torch now belongs to his three daughters, with Carlie Irsay-Gordon stepping into the lead role as Owner and CEO.

Jim Irsay di3d earlier this spring, peacefully in his sleep, as confirmed by the team. His passing marked the end of an era for the Colts, a franchise he helped shape for decades.

In a heartfelt statement at the time, the team remembered Irsay for his “dedication and passion” toward the Colts, his “generosity,” and most of all, his love for family.

Family Legacy Moves Forward

Carlie Irsay (Photo By Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
On June 9, the Colts revealed the new ownership structure: Carlie Irsay-Gordon will serve as Owner and CEO, Casey Foyt takes on the role of Owner and Executive Vice President, and Kalen Jackson assumes the position of Owner and Chief Brand Operator.

NFL insider Ari Meirov noted that Jim Irsay had carefully planned the transition before his passing. “The late Jim Irsay put a lot of thought into this transition, making sure all three of his daughters had an equal share of ownership and, most importantly, that the team remained in the family,” Meirov shared on social media. He added that Carlie Irsay-Gordon had long been active in the organization and was “widely expected to step into the top role.”

Carlie’s leadership journey with the Colts spans over a decade, during which she played key roles in both team operations and the league’s executive circles. Her sisters, Casey and Kalen, have also maintained a consistent presence behind the scenes, focusing on community efforts and brand initiatives.

The Colts’ future now rests in the hands of a trio that has grown up with the franchise and understands its history and expectations. While change often brings uncertainty, this transition feels more like a continuation than a departure. The daughters have already been part of the organization’s heartbeat. Now, they’re steering it forward.

As the NFL watches how the new leadership unfolds in Indianapolis, the Colts seem determined to honor their father’s legacy, not by looking back, but by moving ahead with purpose.

Houston Texans star Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his illegal hit to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the ensuing brawl between the teams in a lengthy statement on social media.  

Al-Shaair’s statement comes as his three-game suspension as a result of the incident has ended and he is slated to return to the field for the Texans on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

On December 1, an Al-Shaair hit to the head of a sliding and defenseless Lawrence caused chaos in Jacksonville. The defensive back needed to be restrained by several coaches and Lawrence has not played since taking the barbaric contact.

‘While so many jumped at the first opportunity to hop on the false narrative – that l’m a dirty player or bad person – the messages from all who stood by me were the only things keeping me mentally afloat during a time of isolation,’ Al-Shaair said on social media.

‘I’ve learned so much from this entire experience. Seeing myself on video – letting my emotions get the best of me to the point where I completely lost it – was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment for me.’

‘I’ve had to earn everything in my life. I never want to allow anyone to get me to a point where I jeopardize everything that I’ve worked all my life to obtain. That was not the way I want to represent myself or my family and I will continue to learn and grow from that moment.’

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Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his hit to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence

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The Texans defensive back was suspended for three games as a result of the hit to Lawrence

Al-Shaair said during his three-game ban, he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other league executives for the first time, taking issue with how he was characterized in the official announcement of his suspension.

The defender said he thought his character and integrity were ‘unjustifiably smeared’ in the release but the meeting with Goodell and others was ‘productive’ and gave him hope it would not happen again.

‘In that conversation – man-to-man – I owned and acknowledged that my actions following my ejection were careless and, in that moment, I didn’t think about the responsibility I have been blessed with to represent the shield,’ Al-Shaair continued.

‘I also stated that the letter, and specifically the language used in the letter, was equally as careless and conveyed that the context of the words used were not a reflection of my character, nor my career, as I have not been warned multiple times for my play on the field.’

Al-Shaair’s hit on Lawrence was not the only controversial incident he was involved in this season.

During the Texans’ game against the Bears in September, he punched Roschon Johnson, who wasn’t even in the game at the time of another sideline confrontation.

Al-Shaair ended his statement by saying his view is that everyone in the league office and on the field are on the same team to represent the NFL in the best nature possible, something he failed to do earlier this month.

‘Lastly, I’ll say that this world is full of negative people who can’t wait to tear you down, but if you move with love and compassion, the seeds of good you planted in others’ lives can grow into the very tree that shades you with comfort and compassion when you need it most,’ Al-Shaair concluded.

‘I am a man of God, I am a leader, a warrior and a lover. I am also a hell of a football player and I’m grateful to be back doing what I love.’