The Indianapolis Colts' heartbreaking 33-30 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night was already tough to swallow. But the conversation after the game wasn't just about the on-field collapse—it was about the woman in charge, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, and her unusual sideline behavior.
Throughout the game, Irsay-Gordon was seen walking up and down the sideline, clipboard in hand, jotting down notes. It's a rare sight for an NFL owner, who typically watches from a suite or the owner's box. But Irsay-Gordon, who took over the team after her father Jim Irsay's passing, was front and center, and not everyone appreciated it.
Longtime reporter Michele Steele took to social media to voice her concerns, posting on X: "Still don't understand how the owner of the team hovering up and down the sideline helps in critical situations." Her comment sparked a debate among fans and analysts about whether an owner's presence on the sideline is a distraction or a sign of passionate involvement.
The Colts, now 0-2 on the season, are already under pressure. Irsay-Gordon made headlines at the end of last season when she publicly expressed her frustration with the team's performance, saying, "You're right to be frustrated with how the latter part of our season went. I'm (expletive). We are all (expletive)." She added, "I want our fans to know I hear them. … It's not good enough. It's not to the standard. … [The players] played their (butts) off this year, but at the end of the day, our fans, we understand and we want to validate that."
That fiery passion seems to have carried over to the sideline this season. While some might see it as a positive—an owner who is fully invested—others question whether it's appropriate during games. The Colts' coaching staff and players already have enough to worry about, especially with a tough matchup against the Houston Texans looming in Week 3.
Steele's criticism isn't the first time an owner's sideline presence has been questioned. In other sports, owners like Mark Cuban have been known to sit courtside, but in the NFL, it's almost unheard of. The sideline is a workspace for coaches, players, and medical staff, and having the owner hovering could add unnecessary pressure.
Irsay-Gordon's notes might be for her own reference, but what she does with them is unclear. Does she relay messages to the coaching staff? Does she use them for post-game evaluations? The lack of transparency only fuels speculation.
As the Colts prepare for their Week 3 showdown with the Texans, the focus should be on fixing the mistakes that led to their 0-2 start. But the spotlight on Irsay-Gordon's sideline behavior isn't likely to fade anytime soon. If the losses continue, expect more questions about whether her presence is helping or hurting the team's chances.
For now, Colts fans are left wondering: Is this a new era of hands-on ownership, or a distraction that could derail the season? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain—Irsay-Gordon isn't going to shy away from being involved, even if it means drawing criticism from the media.
