The Indianapolis Colts are in a state of flux. The team has lost their owner, Jim Irsay, and the quarterback who was supposed to be the future of the franchise has not only been a disappointment, but during what was supposed to be his offseason redemption ended up injured instead. The future for the Colts is now less clear.
One thing, at least, is known for sure: Carlie Irsay-Gordon will be stepping in as CEO, sharing joint ownership with her sisters, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson. Irsay-Gordon specifically has long held a hands-on role with the Colts, and head coach Shane Steichen had high praise for her knowledge and experience.
“When you talk football with her, she gets it," he said. "She goes over the defensive stuff, the offensive stuff, she’s been involved since I’ve been here. From day one, very hands-on, and she’s been tremendous. I think she’s going to do a phenomenal job.”
One of the more pressing issues Irsay-Gordon will face is who will be QB1 once the season begins. Originally, there was reason to be optimistic about Richardson's progress, particularly when paired with Tyler Warren during OTAs. It was also assumed that Colts' leadership - particularly general manager Chris Ballard - need Richardson to succeed in 2025. But disaster struck on that front when Richardson's previous shoulder injury, for which he had to undergo surgery, became aggravated.
For the moment, it doesn't necessarily seem to be a season-ending injury; Steichen said before the injury, he was performing well, and Richardson will evidently not need another surgery. It's expected that he will be able to return in time for training camp, but in the meantime, his competition - Daniel Jones - is getting in all the reps Richardson is missing at OTAs and mini-camp, making it appear that Jones has effectively clinched the QB1 spot.
Yet recent statements from none other than Irsay-Gordon could give some hope to Richardson.
In a meeting with reporters, she said that she still has faith in his future. “We drafted Anthony for a reason, and we believe in him,” she said. “He’s incredibly talented, and sometimes when you draft players, they have rough starts, they have injuries, they’ve got those things that they need to go through. But I think it’s way too early to tell... I think he’s — he has all the potential in the world, and if he wants to prove it, he can. And he will, if he wants to.”
He may have an uphill road ahead of him, but for now, at least Richardson can rest assured that the door isn't completely closed to him... yet.