Next Woman Up: Melainey Lowe, Director of Football Operations for the Indianapolis Colts

Women are rising up the ranks throughout professional football, earning positions of power in a space that for too long was ruled almost exclusively by men. We’re seeing more and more women breaking barriers in the sport, but what are the stories beyond the headlines? Who are the women shaping and influencing the NFL today? Answering those questions is the aim of the Next Woman Up series. While the conversational Q&As are edited and condensed for clarity, this is a forum for impactful women to share experiences in their own words. Without further ado, we introduce:

Melainey Lowe, Indianapolis Colts

Position: Director of Football Operations

Let’s start from the beginning. How did you get your start in a career in football?

I started at Saint Mary’s College in northern Indiana on the pre-med track. I was really trying to find my niche, trying to find something I could do to stay involved in sports when I was in school, because I had always played sports growing up. I went across the street to Notre Dame — part of the tri-campus experience with Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross College — to its club fair. There was a booth for Notre Dame football equipment managers. I didn’t know much about equipment, but I thought, Hey, it’s football. I grew up a huge Notre Dame fan, so I figured I’d try it. There was an entire tryout process with 75 to 100 students. You can only try out as a freshman to get the position as a sophomore; then you do an interview process at the end of each year, and you either were kept for the next season or cut. I tried out and fell in love with being part of something bigger than myself. I did make it as a sophomore equipment manager.

As I began my sophomore year, I was still following a pre-med track, but I wasn’t very passionate about it. I was contemplating how to involve myself with the football team while also pursuing a degree. Consequently, I switched my majors to business, marketing, and finance. The experience of working as an equipment manager imparted fundamental values that continue to guide me every day. It contributed to my personal and professional growth. I was fortunate to meet wonderful people and gain practical experience, including the less glamorous aspects of football. I hold equipment managers in high regard for their challenging work that instilled in me a strong work ethic. Although I graduated from Saint Mary’s, it was during my time at Notre Dame that I learned the most.

Upon graduating from college, I was aware that opportunities in football were limited, so I considered pursuing a corporate career. It was the individuals at Notre Dame who recognized a potential in me that I couldn’t see, and they encouraged me to aim for a job in the NFL. They assisted me in networking with professionals within the Indianapolis Colts organization. I initially joined the Colts as a training camp intern, understanding the need to make an immediate impact due to my lack of prior experience in football operations. This led to a full-season internship, followed by a position as an operations assistant, and ultimately to my current role.

What does being the director of football operations entail?

Creating a precise job description is challenging as we assist various people and departments. The role is dynamic as individuals’ trust and responsibilities increase with the more assistance provided. Mainly, operations involve anything related to team travel, such as organizing buses, hotels, or our off-season programs. The role encompasses everything – we’re always ready to help anyone in need.

The Colts played in Munich, Germany, last season. What kind of undertaking was that for your department in terms of travel?

Last year was my first season in the director role. The team also had a new head coach (Shane Steichen) and a rookie quarterback (Anthony Richardson), so there was a lot of excitement. Then in May, we learned we were playing a game against the New England Patriots in Germany. The last time the Colts played an international game was 2016 in London. It was a new experience for a lot of people. To see how fans in another country were amazed and engaged in American football. There was a language barrier, so planning the travel and figuring out our standard operational protocols was a challenge at times. But overall, I think it was a great experience. I think it brought our team and staff together because we all had to work closely to achieve a common goal. I think it was a great learning experience. Those international trips are the Super Bowl for the football operations department.

During draft season, our department arranges top-30 visits for potential recruits. We manage all aspects of their journey to Indianapolis. For our seasoned players during the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), we facilitate their arrival and accommodation. The NFL draft days are particularly exhilarating; we are among the first to congratulate the players. We assist them in their initial visit and acquaint them with our organization. As we are the players’ first interaction with the organization, it’s crucial that we embody its values. We handle all travel and logistics, liaising with the agent and player. This includes their journey to Indianapolis and their stay here. If there’s a question we can’t answer, we ensure to find it and make them feel at home as this is their new residence.

What would you say is the most challenging part of your position?

Reflecting on the past two years and even my days with the Notre Dame football team, the most challenging part is the time spent away from my family. Missing significant moments is a sacrifice that comes with the territory. The dedication and commitment required is immense, particularly during the regular season when we work seven days a week for seven continuous months. Not many people experience what we do, and it does demand a great deal of sacrifice. I’m fortunate that my family is supportive. They occasionally visit and comprehend the intense effort and work that goes on behind the scenes. In my role in operations, we collaborate with numerous departments, and ensuring everyone’s satisfaction can be challenging. It’s crucial to accept that perfection is unattainable. There will inevitably be problems, but the focus should always be on finding solutions and acting in the best interests of the club.

Do you have a favorite moment from your time with the Colts?

Certainly, it is the international game, as it indeed took us half a year to arrive there. Upon our arrival and surveying the stadium, it was apparent that individuals from numerous countries had congregated to witness the Colts football match, an event that you were directly involved in. That was a quite an impressive moment. Another significant moment was reaching the hotel and realizing the immense effort that was put into facilitating this journey. Every department had to exert a great deal of hard work.

Let’s change to mentorship. Do you have any mentors and what advice have you received from them?

Primarily, my family has played a significant role in my life. I was raised in Florida where my family and I frequently attended golf tournaments, hockey matches, and football training camps. Our lives revolved around sports, and witnessing my family’s passion for it instilled in me many values that I carry into my work today.

Furthermore, I believe in the significance of having diverse mentors who offer varying viewpoints. Some of these mentors should be industry professionals, as they might comprehend certain aspects that your family might not. My initial genuine mentors were based at Notre Dame: David Peloquin, Bill Rees, and Chris Bacsik. They assisted me in envisioning a grander dream for myself than I initially had. Their unwavering support greatly contributed to my personal growth.

Chris Ballard, the general manager at the Colts, ensures I’m involved in numerous conversations and thought processes. I also rely on several coaches – John Fox, Richard Smith, and Gus Bradley – for guidance, as their long tenure in the league offers me much to learn.

Finally, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the co-owner, is truly outstanding. She is constantly on the sidelines during games, wearing headsets. Collaborating with her on the football aspect is a great experience, and I greatly admire her.

What advice do you have for women looking to start a career in football?

Prepare yourself. Achieving this level of success entails a significant amount of commitment and renunciation, particularly when your peers are leading lives that are quite dissimilar to yours. However, having the opportunity to work in the NFL is a tremendous gift. It’s not a walk in the park, but it’s absolutely worthwhile. You’ll face trials, stumble and commit errors, but it’s crucial to learn from these experiences, as they will shape you into a better person. As you ascend within an organization, always remember your true self and uphold your principles. Strive constantly to prove your worth. As Coach Steichen always reminds us, “Every day is an interview.” This statement rings true. Complacency is not an option. You must continually aim for improvement.

What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your career?

That’s an excellent query. To tell you the truth, I’m still in the process of figuring it out. At 25, I’m relishing my present situation. I’m like a sponge absorbing knowledge and asking numerous questions since I’m uncertain about my future destination. However, I’m thrilled with my current position. I’m channeling my energy into augmenting my self-confidence and gleaning wisdom from those around me. The fact that the possibilities are boundless is an exciting concept.

Lastly, what are you most proud of?

I am immensely proud of our team’s achievements and the continuous improvement we’ve made. I’ve also experienced personal growth in my own role, and have been able to assist my colleagues. Furthermore, I’m proud of the resilience I’ve demonstrated in persisting with this career path.