Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has responded after coming under fire for her behaviour during NFL matches.
Irsay-Gordon, who assumed the titles of owner and CEO of the Colts in 2025 following her father's death, has been an ever-present on the sidelines during her team's matches.
She is often seen taking notes during her team's matches, while she has also been seen wearing a headset in order to keep track of what's going on and learn more about the sport and her side.
While she has gained popularity for her actions and some have praised her for showing how much she cares, not everyone is impressed.
American sportswriter Bill Simmons has now taken aim at the 45-year-old, describing her actions on the sidelines as 'nuts' and 'bonkers'.
He said on The Bill Simmons Podcast: "I'm not gonna tip toe around this anymore. And I know it's been a topic the last couple weeks. I think the owner on the sideline taking notes is f***ing nuts.
"I think it's nuts. I think it's bonkers. I can't believe she does this, and I can't believe people in her life haven't talked her out of it. And now there’s this push of like, ‘Oh, no, no, she’s really into it.’
"If a male owner was doing this, we would be ridiculing this guy til the cows come home. This would be like when Vivek [Ranadive] was celebrating the summer league title in the NBA, and we thought it was so funny," The Ringer founder continued.
"We would think it was so f***ing funny if some, you know, rich guy, male owner was on the sideline with a notebook like hovering over and giving advice to the coach. …
"Even Jerry Jones wouldn't do that. And Irsay's daughter's doing it and we're like, 'oh yeah, well, she cares about the team.' Why are we making excuses for how weird this is?"
Irsay-Gordon Responds to Backlash
REUTERS/Lisi Niesner
Irsay-Gordon has now responded to the criticism that has been directed at her. She told Bridget Condon of Front Office Sports Tonight.
“I like to say on a good day I have like a fifth-grade reading level understanding of the game and just the basic concepts of what we’re trying to do, depending on the week and depending on our opponent and depending on the situation.
“But I think, then, it just helps to understand and to ask questions because I think one of the things, in my opinion, like being a good leader is about listening, really to understand. And I think that’s what the best teams do.”
Speaking last month, Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox said that Irsay-Gordon's actions don't bother any of the playing or coaching staff.
The Colts are currently second in the AFC South after winning two and losing two of their opening four matches. They opened the 2026 season with defeats against the Baltimore Chiefs and the Kansas City Chiefs, before bouncing back with victories over the Houston Texans and the Washington Commanders.
The two-time Super Bowl winners face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, October 11. The game is expected to be a close encounter, with the Steelers also winning two and losing two of their opening four matches of the season.