Carlie Irsay-Gordon is not content to watch the Indianapolis Colts from a comfortable seat upstairs. She spends games on the sidelines, taking notes and keeping up with what is happening around the team, which has prompted plenty of debate about how involved an owner should be.
But Cam Newton is not bothered by her approach. The former NFL MVP has a very different take on what people should be talking about when Irsay-Gordon shows up on game day.
Speaking on "4th & 1" with Cam Newton, the former Carolina Panthers quarterback pushed back against the criticism of Irsay-Gordon, praising both her game-day involvement and her style.
Rather than focusing on whether an owner belongs on the sideline, Newton celebrated the way she carries herself around the team.
"The flyest in the league don't come by way of them individuals walking or running through the tunnel pregame. The flyest to me is Mrs. Irsay-Gordon, brother," Newton said.
He also acknowledged that some people view her presence as a distraction, but made it clear that he does not share that concern. "Y'all may think it's a distraction, but I love that," he said, before describing her sideline look, including her scarf, bamboo accessories, and Hermès items.
Irsay-Gordon's habit of taking notes during games has drawn increased scrutiny since she became the Colts' principal owner after her father, Jim Irsay, died in May 2025. She uses a headset to listen to coaches' communications but does not speak on it, and her note-taking is part of her effort to understand the details of football operations.
The debate intensified after a pregame clip from London showed her approaching a Colts coach while discussing her notes. The reaction has not been entirely positive.
The Ringer's Bill Simmons criticized the idea of an owner operating from the sideline, while Colts coach Shane Steichen and players have described her presence as no distraction. Newton's comments put him firmly on the side of an owner who wants to remain close to the team rather than observe from a distance.
His remarks also turned to running back Jonathan Taylor, whom Newton expects to find the end zone against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While discussing the matchup, he joked that Irsay-Gordon might look over at Taylor and decide it is time for him to make a play.
"She going to look over there and say, 'Jonathan, it's time,'" Newton said.
The prediction comes as Taylor enters the matchup in strong form, ranking 11th on PFN's NFL RB Impact with a grade of 80.5. Through four games, he has recorded 353 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on 86 carries, along with 10 receptions for 69 yards.
He scored twice in each of Indianapolis' first, second, and fourth games, and he was listed as a full participant in Friday's practice with no injury designation.
Newton's praise of Irsay-Gordon was not limited to her fashion choices. His broader point was that he appreciates her visible involvement and does not see it as a problem.
For an owner who has faced questions about her place on the sideline, having a former MVP publicly embrace that approach offers a different perspective on what leadership can look like in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network .
