Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon receives major international recognition for global impact

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13 February 2026 at 20:34

For years, Carlie Irsay-Gordon has played a visible role behind the scenes within the Indianapolis Colts organization, helping shape key decisions while continuing the legacy established by her father, Jim Irsay.

But now, the Colts’ new owner is earning recognition that extends far beyond the NFL and into the global spotlight after a quite eye-catching season start.

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For her exceptional leadership and impact, Irsay-Gordon was rewarded with one of the most decorated awards in the world– the International Citizen of the Year on February 13, 2026.

Congratulations to Carlie Irsay-Gordon for being named the International Citizen of the Year. pic.twitter.com/OYqk7TRtxT
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 13, 2026

The International Citizen of the Year honor is awarded by the International Center. It is a long-standing Indianapolis-based nonprofit that works to position the city as a globally connected hub for business, culture, education, and diplomacy.

But this award is not limited to the world of sports. It honors leaders whose work has created meaningful international civic or humanitarian impact while helping strengthen the region’s global outreach and engagement.

Indianapolis Colts chief executive officer and owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Irsay-Gordon’s first year at the helm of the Indianapolis Colts has been anything but symbolic. Taking over ownership responsibilities after her father passed away, she walked into a franchise that desperately needed direction.

Under her leadership, the Colts opened the season 7-1 and shifted the tone around a team that had struggled to find consistency in recent years. The 2019-20 NFL season was the last time the Colts entered the playoffs. But she gave Colts Nation hope until their star quarterback, Daniel Jones, was injured, and the Colts couldn’t win enough games to make the postseason.

In her first NFL season as team owner, she made her presence felt by closely observing on-field developments, engaging in conversations with head coach Shane Steichen, and taking an active role in team operations. It sent an early signal that the shift from her father’s leadership to the next generation would be hands-on rather than a quiet transition.

Irsay-Gordon’s move into the top role represented a significant shift in the franchise’s structure, as she officially stepped in to carry forward her father’s legacy while guiding the Colts into a new era.