It’s been a tumultuous time for Sam Girard, who has been injured twice already since the start of training camp.
DENVER — Sam Girard has a reason to smile today.
The Colorado Avalanche have officially activated the defenseman from injured reserve.
The 27-year-old defenseman has been sidelined since October 11, absent from the past 15 contests. In the two games preceding his injury, Girard registered three hits and three blocked shots before a check into the boards resulted in an upper-body injury.
There had been hope that Girard might be available as early as this past weekend, when the team embarked on a two-game road trip to face the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks. However, he was ruled out for the series—a decision that, in hindsight, was likely wise given the challenges he’s faced over the past few months. His return is expected to provide a substantial boost to the defensive corps, particularly in puck movement and offensive transitions.
Injury Woes
Girard was a fixture at the team’s optional skates throughout August, bringing his usual energy and dedication to the ice. But after August 17, his absence from regular practices started to raise eyebrows. While he was still seen around the facility, he was no longer participating with the full group, fueling speculation that he might be dealing with an injury.
Those suspicions were confirmed when Girard joined a skate for injured players, sporting a red non-contact jersey. The Avalanche later confirmed he was rehabbing a lower-body injury that popped up during the summer. Unfortunately, his misfortune continued when he suffered the second injury. Hopefully this is the end of what has been a tumultuous series of months for the 27-year-old Girard, who has tallied 223 points (34 goals, 189 assists) in 550 career NHL games, 545 of them coming with the Avalanche.
“I’m not here to just own a team, I’m here to lead it, support it, and be a part of it—like a family. If the players can trust me, then we all rise together.”
— Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Indianapolis Colts Owner
In the world of NFL ownership, where billionaires are often seen as detached figures who prefer to stay in their luxury suites, one owner is making waves by doing things completely differently. Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, is breaking the mold, and her players couldn’t be more excited about it.
From sideline appearances to personally connecting with her players on a human level, Irsay-Gordon is redefining what it means to be a leader in the NFL. Her approach is nothing short of revolutionary, and as the Colts continue to excel with an impressive 8-2 record this season, it’s clear that this hands-on, family-first leadership style is paying off.
Breaking the Mold: A Personal Touch
When the Colts’ tight ends were summoned to meet with Irsay-Gordon in January 2025, the tension in the air was palpable. After a disappointing 8-9 season, any meeting with ownership could signal trouble. But when Irsay-Gordon arrived, it wasn’t to deliver a lecture or make tough decisions—it was to listen.
“I’m not here to just own a team, I’m here to lead it, support it, and be a part of it—like a family. If the players can trust me, then we all rise together,” she told them.
Mo Alie-Cox, a veteran tight end for the Colts, was taken aback by the meeting. “She genuinely cares about us. She wanted to know about everything, from how we travel to the food in the cafeteria. She’s not like any other owner we’ve had.”
This level of personal attention is rare in the NFL, where most owners rarely interact with players beyond handing out contracts. But Irsay-Gordon is rewriting the playbook on how owners can engage with their teams.
A Leader on the Sidelines
It’s not just the behind-the-scenes meetings that have caught players’ attention. Carlie Irsay-Gordon is often seen on the sidelines during Colts games, sporting Colts gear and holding a play-call sheet, her eyes fixed on the action. Fans have begun to wonder: is she micromanaging or genuinely involved in the game?
The answer, according to the Colts’ players, is clear. “She’s genuinely trying to learn,” said linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. “She’s not just sitting in the owner’s box. She’s in the trenches, breaking down the game with us.”
Before becoming a fixture on the sidelines in 2021, Irsay-Gordon could often be found in the football operations booth, collaborating with the staff and learning the intricacies of the game. Her deep knowledge and involvement were crucial in the recent trade for two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner, where Irsay-Gordon was actively involved in the decision-making process, giving the final approval on the trade.
Personal Connections That Matter
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Irsay-Gordon’s leadership is her genuine care for her players as people—not just athletes. When Irsay-Gordon learned that Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.’s wife, Kianna, enjoyed horseback riding, she invited the family over to check out her collection of saddles and helmets.
“She knows things about her players that most owners wouldn’t even think to ask,” Pittman said. “She’s not just concerned with us performing on Sundays. She genuinely wants to know us.”
This personal touch extends to everyone, regardless of status. “She doesn’t care if you’re Jonathan Taylor or a practice squad player,” Pittman added. “She wants to hear from everyone. I could call her in the middle of the night, and she’d pick up the phone.”
Continuing the Irsay Legacy
Carlie Irsay-Gordon is continuing the family legacy built by her father, Jim Irsay, who was known for his deep commitment to the Colts and the Indianapolis community. Jim Irsay’s passion for the team was unmatched, and Carlie is carrying that torch forward. The Colts are one of the few family-owned franchises in the NFL, and this close-knit, family-oriented approach is evident in the way Carlie interacts with her players.
Unlike many NFL teams that are owned by faceless corporations or private equity firms, the Colts remain a family business. This personal connection between the owner and the team is what sets the Colts apart. As cornerback Kenny Moore II put it, “To see the love that Mr. Irsay had for his business, this was his pride and joy. That’s the true difference there.”
The Ultimate Competitive Advantage
As the Colts continue to soar, it’s clear that Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s unique approach to ownership is a huge factor in their success. In a league where relationships between players and owners are often transactional, Irsay-Gordon’s commitment to fostering genuine connections is a game-changer.
In a sport where every advantage counts, having an owner who is deeply invested in the well-being of her players—both on and off the field—might just be the secret sauce that’s driving the Colts to the top. And with Irsay-Gordon leading the way, the Colts’ future has never looked brighter.