NFL Fans Loved Colts Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s Classy Move at Bar in Germany

The Colts are preparing to take on the Falcons in Berlin on Sunday.
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon watches game action against the Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium.
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon watches game action against the Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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Carlie Irsay-Gordon seems to be doing just about everything right in her first few months as the Colts’ owner.

Following the death of her father Jim Irsay in May, Irsay-Gordon stepped up as the franchise’s CEO and owner for the first time in 2025 after 13 seasons as the vice chair. Since taking the reins, she’s been seen on the sidelines during games wearing a headset and holding a call sheet while listening to communication between coaches, coordinators and players. Her reasoning? To learn more and get the full picture of what goes on behind the scenes on game day as she’s tasked with running the franchise and making decisions that involve millions and millions of dollars.

Irsay-Gordon’s willingness to learn is, unfortunately, more of a rarity among other billionaire owners around professional sports. And as the Colts prepare to battle the Falcons on Sunday in Berlin, Germany, Irsay-Gordon made another move Saturday that all other owners should take note of.

Standing in front of Colts fans at a bar in Berlin, Irsay-Gordon grabbed a megaphone and announced the news—in German, nonetheless—that the next round of drinks was on her.

“This round is on me, you guys,” she said. “Go Colts!”

Now that’s a great NFL owner right there.

NFL fans on social media loved her classy gesture:

All is well as Indianapolis, as the Colts are 7–2 and in first place in the AFC South heading into Week 10.

Take notes, other NFL owners. Irsay-Gordon is doing it right.


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Tom Dierberger
TOM DIERBERGER

Tom Dierberger is a staff writer and editor on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in November 2023 after stints at FOX Sports, Bally Sports and NBC Sports. Dierberger has a bachelor's in communication from St. John's University. In his spare time, he can be seen throwing out his arm while playing fetch with his dog, Walter B. Boy.