The challenge came down from the top. Was it a challenge or an ultimatum? Either way, the marching orders for 2026 were set in training camp by the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, Carlie Irsay-Gordon. The mantra was simple: “Find a Way.” The underpinnings were subtle but understood, win or else. After the trade deadline, the Colts are finding themselves on the “else” side of things.
DeForest Buckner, Quenton Nelson, Keenan Allen, and Josh Downs all wear new uniforms now. Grover Stewart and Jonathan
Taylor were on the chopping block too. Let’s not forget about Chris Ballard either. David Bowie sang about “changes,” and the Colts organization has gone through plenty. The worst or possibly best part of it all is that those changes don’t appear to be done.
Irsay-Gordon inherited a mess with a team that hasn’t produced in a decade and a GM who was around for all of it. Her message sent a shot across the bow, seemingly, in the softest way possible. Find a Way was all she said. What she meant can be seen from top to bottom in this organization. Shane Steichen and Daniel Jones’ days appear to be numbered too. The production isn’t there, and they haven’t found a way, to say the least.
New owners, coaches, or even CEOs of companies like to have their own people, those that fit their vision. The good ones don’t come in and start slashing without cause, though. If someone shows their worth and circumstances are right, chances are they stay. Irsay-Gordon did that. Everyone got another chance. She could have cleaned house when she took over. She would have been more than justified to do that after last year’s collapse too, but she didn’t. Everyone got plenty of grace, but the NFL isn’t built on grace. It is built on winning. It is built on finding a way to win no matter what.
Pieces of this once-proud franchise are scattered on the ground. The facade is broken and all is exposed. When put under the microscope and intense pressure to perform, the Colts couldn’t. If they can’t do it, Carlie Irsay-Gordon will find someone who can because that’s what it’s about. Win, just win. Find a way to fight through it, make the play, and come out on top. Right now, the Colts are at the bottom. It’s going to take a lot, but this organization must find a way to rise, once again, to the top.
