Indianapolis Colts co-owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon continues to attract negative attention amid a series of controversial developments. She decided to part ways with longtime general manager Chris Ballard.

Meanwhile, the Colts also made two big roster moves, trading Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. These moves are not the primary reason Irsay-Gordon has been facing criticism.

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff recently voiced another set of concerns about her leadership. However, his comments did not sit well with everyone.

Colts Fans React to John Middlekauff’s Criticism of Carlie Irsay-Gordon

Irsay-Gordon has faced criticism for regularly standing on the Colts’ sideline during games and taking notes. Former Colts QB Sean Salisbury even questioned the value of her involvement, while Middlekauff believes her sideline presence has only added to the franchise’s growing concerns.

On his “3 and Out” podcast, Middlekauff discussed why the Colts’ general manager position could be particularly difficult to fill. “We got rid of Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner, and we have a third- and a fourth-round pick to show for it,” Middlekauff said. “Good luck. You don’t have a first-round pick. You have a disastrous situation at quarterback.” Indianapolis also received a 2028 fifth-round pick in the Nelson trade.

He went on to criticize the Colts owner. “And there are a lot of questions with the owner. But even if I just say, hey, she’ll be no different than some of these other nutties because there’s no way to argue that because she stands on the (expletive) sideline all dolled up taking notes it’s misogynistic or it’s just the wackiest (expletive) we’ve ever seen.”

However, Colts fans were quick to push back against Middlekauff’s criticism.

“It’s her team. She’s literally leading from the front,” a Colts fan wrote.

Another fan defended the Colts owner. “She has been standing on the sidelines for a long time learning. It was never a problem before.”

This fan had a genuine question: “I don’t understand why her being on the sideline rubs men the wrong way.”

Irsay-Gordon previously explained her reasons for becoming more involved in understanding the team’s football operations. Speaking in June 2025, she recalled how the experience of hiring Chuck Pagano in 2012 encouraged her to learn more about the game and evaluate football personnel more effectively.

“You’re wrong,” one fan told Middlekauff.

Another fan was more analytical. “Yes, it’s not imperative that your owner is on the sidelines in the game. But the tough thing is bad talent and picks,” he said.

This fan had a blunt reaction: “Find a new career. Clearly you have zero idea what you’re talking about,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Colts are facing another significant decision as the November 10 trade deadline approaches. Attention has increasingly shifted toward running back Jonathan Taylor, with Indianapolis reportedly open to moving the veteran.

However, The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones cited a team executive who indicated that Irsay-Gordon was concerned about the potential consequences of trading Taylor.