People can doubt us all they want, but that only fuels our fire. We’re not doing this for anyone else, but for ourselves, and for the fans who deserve nothing but the best.”
— Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Co-Owner of the Indianapolis Colts
In a stunning revelation that’s sent shockwaves through the NFL world, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, co-owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has proven once and for all that she’s not just an owner sitting on the sidelines — she’s an integral force shaping the future of the franchise. The Colts’ recent blockbuster trade for Sauce Gardner, the star cornerback from the New York Jets, wasn’t just a deal sealed with a signature. It was a move that Carlie Irsay-Gordon was deeply involved in, overseeing every step and ultimately giving the green light for the trade that stunned the football world.
The Colts’ Secret Weapon: Hands-On Ownership
Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s influence within the Colts’ operations has been building for months, but this trade has solidified her position as one of the most powerful owners in the NFL. While many owners take a backseat to decisions like this, Irsay-Gordon is different. From sideline appearances to football operations meetings, she’s fully immersed in the team’s day-to-day workings. It’s this hands-on approach that gave her the confidence to approve the Colts’ high-stakes trade, sending two first-round picks and receiver Adonai Mitchell to the Jets in exchange for two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner.
ESPN’s Stephen Holder reported that Irsay-Gordon’s immersion in football operations gave her the insight to make a decision that many would have hesitated to approve. According to a team source, she and General Manager Chris Ballard had a crucial meeting on November 3, the day before the trade was made. After weeks of discussions, she gave the final go-ahead, signaling a bold new era for the Colts. This wasn’t just a trade — it was a statement.
“No Doubt, Just Fire” — A New Era for the Colts
Irsay-Gordon’s quote says it all: “People can doubt us all they want, but that only fuels our fire.” Colts fans everywhere are rallying around her fearless leadership. It’s clear that Carlie Irsay-Gordon isn’t just building a team — she’s building a legacy, and her direct involvement in this monumental trade proves she’s fully committed to the Colts’ future. Her confidence and determination are exactly what Indianapolis needs to keep up with the fast-paced, ever-evolving NFL landscape.
With Sauce Gardner’s elite talents now part of the Colts’ defense, Indianapolis is poised for success. Gardner’s presence is set to be a game-changer, but the true game-changer may be Irsay-Gordon’s forward-thinking approach. She’s not waiting for greatness to come to the Colts — she’s making it happen. And as the deal continues to garner attention, one thing is for certain: Irsay-Gordon is leading the charge in a way that few NFL owners ever have.
The Next Big Move: Daniel Jones
As the Colts look to build on this momentum, all eyes are now on Daniel Jones. After giving him a prove-it contract, Jones has more than earned his place. The question now is: How much do you pay a quarterback who came from obscurity and suddenly turned into one of the league’s brightest stars? Sources say Irsay-Gordon is once again set to make the call — and with her history of bold moves, there’s no doubt that she’s ready to make another game-changing decision. Will Jones get the massive contract he’s earned, or will the Colts explore other options?
Whatever happens, one thing is clear: Carlie Irsay-Gordon is in control. And in a league where owners are often invisible, Irsay-Gordon’s active leadership is proving that involvement, insight, and confidence can shape a team’s destiny.
A Legacy of Power, Leadership, and Dedication
Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s role in the Colts’ trade for Sauce Gardner isn’t just about football. It’s about breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be an NFL owner. Her commitment to being deeply involved in the team’s operations sets her apart and cements her as one of the most influential figures in modern football.
“People can doubt us all they want,” Irsay-Gordon said. “But that only fuels our fire.”
With each move, she’s proving that when you’re all in — you don’t just change the game. You become the game.
This is only the beginning.
Nathaniel Lowe is expected to be cut loose by the Red Sox this week. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)AP
The Red Sox have some roster cleanup due this week, with Tuesday marking the date by which teams need to add eligible prospects to their 40-man rosters to protect them from the Rule 5 draft and Friday representing the annual non-tender deadline for arbitration-eligible players. Don’t expect Boston to clear a roster spot by cutting bait with a homegrown former All-Star starter, though.
At this point, Boston is unlikely to non-tender injured righty Tanner Houck, multiple sources said Monday. With a 40-man roster crunch coming, there was some thought that cutting bait with Houck was possible due to his current situation. Houck, who took home $3.95 million in 2025, is projected (by MLBTradeRumors’ widely used model) to take home the same salary in 2026, but is expected to miss most if not all of the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in August. Considering the 2027 season is in jeopardy due to labor tensions and Houck is set to hit free agency after that year, the possibility existed that the Red Sox could non-tender (release) Houck into free agency to save a bit of money knowing he won’t be ready to pitch for most of 2026. But sources indicate the Red Sox plan to tender him a contract.
It’s unclear if the sides have talked about a creative long-term deal. Tendering Houck a contract would keep him under club control ahead of negotiations to avoid arbitration and set a 2026 salary later in the winter.
By Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, teams must add eligible prospects to their 40-man rosters to protect them from being poached in next month’s Rule 5 draft. The Red Sox, who have a full 40-man roster, don’t have a long list of candidates but are expected to make at least a move or two. Right-handed prospect David Sandlin is a virtual lock to be added, requiring at least one 40-man roster spot to be cleared. Lefties Shane Drohan and Hayden Mullins, righties Yordanny Monegro (injured) and Jedixson Paez and outfielder Miguel Bleis are among the other potential Rule 5 candidates in the organization. If the Red Sox want to make sure any of those players aren’t taken in the Rule 5 draft, they can add them. Doing so would require spots to be cleared.
Any roster spots that need to be cleared for prospect additions need to be opened simultaneously Tuesday, which is a day when small trades are usually made throughout baseball. Therefore, the Red Sox could get a jump on the Friday non-tender deadline (set for 8 p.m. ET) by moving on from players four days early. The non-tender date represents an opportunity for teams to cut bait with arbitration-eligible and pre-arbitration-eligible players and send them into free agency. The Red Sox, unlike in previous years, could be busy on non-tender day.
The most obvious non-tender candidate on the roster is first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, who is projected to earn $13.5 million in 2026. That mark represents much more than what he’d get on the open market after a down season that included him being cut by the Nationals. Lowe will almost certainly be lopped off the roster but could re-sign at a lower rate as he tests the open market. Boston is anticipating the healthy return of Triston Casas next season and is looking to upgrade the first base position via free agency or trade.
The Red Sox have seven other arbitration-eligible players and are certain to retain Kutter Crawford, Romy Gonzalez, Triston Casas and Brennan Bernardino at their low projected numbers. Connor Wong, who is projected to make $1.6 million in 2026, is expected to be tendered after Craig Breslow gave him a vote of confidence last week. Cooper Criswell already agreed to a one-year, $800,000 deal for 2026, removing him from non-tender consideration.
In addition to Lowe, the Red Sox could cut bait with some younger players on the roster. Righty Josh Winckowski (projected to make $800,000) is a candidate to be cut from the roster, as is lefty Jovani Morán. Tough roster decisions might be made with the utility group of Vaughn Grissom, David Hamilton, Nate Eaton and Nick Sogard later in the winter but for now, those players are projected to be safe.