Inside Jim Irsay's tangled legacy: Divorce secrets, activist girlfriend, and how his daughters are taking over the Colts
Inside Jim Irsay's fractured marriage and a hidden struggle (Getty Images)
Jim Irsay, the late billionaire owner of the Indianapolis Colts, left behind more than just a storied NFL franchise—he left a family navigating a complex legacy. While his daughters are expected to carry on the operations of the Colts, his ex-wife, Meg Coyle, is opening up about the painful past that shaped their family behind closed doors.
Daughters take the reins: The next generation of
Colts leadership
steps forward
Irsay's three daughters—Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson—were officially named vice chair/owners in 2012, marking a gradual transition of leadership within the Colts organization. Carlie Irsay-Gordon is widely expected to assume primary control of football operations, a role she previously stepped into during her father's battles with rehab and DUI-related incidents.
Each daughter brings a unique set of experiences and skills to the table.
Carlie interned in football operations and marketing, later overseeing digital content and production. Kalen Jackson is deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, spearheading the 'Kicking the Stigma' initiative to promote mental health awareness. Casey Foyt, who helped plan the NFL's first overseas game in London, rounds out the trio with a global sports marketing perspective.
A fractured marriage and a hidden struggle: Meg Coyle breaks her silence
Meg Coyle, Irsay's ex-wife of 33 years, remained largely out of the spotlight—until now.
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On LinkedIn, she shared a raw account of her experience behind the scenes of their 'perfect' public image. 'I certainly didn't pursue the spotlight, but it definitely found me—through marriage,' she wrote. 'I covered up the truth of my broken marriage. I lived under the cloud of my husband's drug addiction. I did what I could to protect my children.
And in the process, I lost my Self.'
Her candid confession paints a far different picture than the polished PR statements released at the time of their 2013 divorce, where the couple said they had 'mutually agreed' to part ways.
In his later years, Irsay dated vegan activist Michelle Paul, who reportedly helped guide him toward holistic health. Paul partnered with Irsay in an effort to free Lolita, a captive orca, drawing praise from animal rights groups. Yet, she was notably absent from the Colts' official death announcement, which only acknowledged his daughters.
Also Read:
What made Jim Irsay a beloved figure in the NFL and how the NFL community is remembering the Indianapolis Colts owner
Jim Irsay's death closes a chapter, but the story of his family—and their future at the helm of the Colts—is just beginning.
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