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 entered my sophomore year, I found myself struggling to enjoy my pre-med track. I was grappling with how to balance being a part of the football team and getting my degree, leading me to switch to business, marketing, and finance. This switch allowed me to work as an equipment manager, a role that instilled in me critical values I still utilize daily. It facilitated my personal and professional growth, introduced me to amazing individuals, and provided me with hands-on experience in the challenging aspects of football. I hold immense respect for equipment managers due to the tough nature of their job and the strong work ethic it fostered in me. Although I received my degree from Saint Mary’s, it was Notre Dame that offered the most impactful learning experiences during that period.

Upon graduating from college, I was aware that opportunities within the football industry were scarce, hence I considered pursuing a corporate career. Notwithstanding, the individuals at Notre Dame identified potential in me that I wasn’t able to see myself, and encouraged me to aim for a role within the NFL. Their assistance enabled me to establish connections within the Indianapolis Colts organization. My journey began as a training camp intern at the Colts, where I had to quickly adapt due to my lack of prior experience in football operations. This position evolved into a full-season internship, followed by an operations assistant role, leading me to my current position.

What does being the director of football operations entail?

Creating a precise job description is challenging, given our assistance extends to numerous individuals and departments. The role is continuously changing, as assisting more people builds trust and results in increased responsibilities. Operations predominantly entails anything related to team travel, such as arranging buses, booking hotels, or planning offseason programs. Essentially, the job encompasses everything, and we are always ready to assist anyone who requires help.

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 the draft season, our department is responsible for arranging top-30 visits for prospects. We handle all their travel arrangements to Indianapolis. For our veterans during OTAs, we assist them with their arrival and hotel accommodations. The days when the NFL draft is ongoing are particularly exhilarating. We are among the first to reach out and congratulate the drafted players. We facilitate their first visit to our base and acquaint them with our organization. We are the first point of contact the player has with the organization, making it crucial for us to embody the organization’s values. We manage travel and logistics, liaising with the agent and the player, not just for their journey to Indianapolis, but also throughout their stay. Our department is the go-to for any queries, and if we don’t have the answer, we’ll find it. We ensure they feel welcomed here, as this is their new home.

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

Reflecting on my past two years and even during my tenure with the Notre Dame football team, the hardest part has been the time spent away from my family. You end up missing significant family events. This job requires immense dedication and sacrifice. Although not many people get the opportunity to do what we do, it comes with immense sacrifices, especially during the regular season where we work seven days a week for seven consecutive months. My family has been incredibly supportive. They occasionally come to visit and understand the amount of effort and work that goes on behind the scenes. Also, working in operations means dealing with several departments, and it’s challenging to keep everyone satisfied. It’s crucial to accept that things won’t always be perfect. Things will go awry, but the main focus should be on finding solutions and doing what’s best for the organization.

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

Undoubtedly, it was an international game, as it took us a whole six months to reach there. Upon arrival, the sight of the stadium filled with people from various countries gathered to watch a Colts football game, a game you were a part of, was an exhilarating moment. Equally thrilling was our arrival at the hotel, a moment that made us realize the amount of effort put in by every department to make this trip happen. It was indeed a product of immense hard work.

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

My family is my first and foremost influence. I was raised in Florida where we regularly attended golf tournaments, hockey games, and football training camps. Our life revolved around sports. Seeing the passion my family had for sports instilled in me values that I carry into my professional life today.

Moreover, I believe it’s essential to have a variety of mentors who offer diverse viewpoints, especially those from the industry as they might understand certain aspects that perhaps your family doesn’t. My initial authentic mentors were from Notre Dame — David Peloquin, Bill Rees, and Chris Bacsik. They enabled me to envision a larger dream for myself than I originally had. They were all incredibly supportive and contributed to my personal growth.

Chris Ballard, the general manager at the Colts, ensures that I’m included in many discussions and decision-making processes. Moreover, I often turn to several coaches, including John Fox, Richard Smith, and Gus Bradley, for guidance and advice, given their extensive experience in the league. There is so much I can learn from them.

Finally, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the co-owner, is truly remarkable. She consistently shows up on the sidelines during games, donning headsets. Collaborating with her in the football realm is a wonderful experience, and I hold a great deal of admiration for her.

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

Prepare yourself, as it entails a lot of commitment and sacrifice, particularly when you witness your peers leading completely different lives. However, it’s a great privilege to work in the NFL. The journey isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort. You’ll face challenges, stumble and make errors, but it’s crucial to learn from these experiences, as they shape you into a better person. As you progress in an organization, remember to never lose sight of your identity and principles. Always prove your worth. As Coach Steichen often quote, “Every day is an interview.” This is indeed true. Complacency should never be an option. Strive for constant improvement.

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

That’s an excellent query. To be frank, I’m still in the process of grasping what it truly means. At 25, I’m relishing my current phase of life. I’m curious and eager to learn, asking numerous questions, as I’m yet to decide my destination. I’m thrilled about my present status, concentrating on enhancing my self-assurance and gaining knowledge from my surroundings. The opportunities are limitless, which is an exciting thought.

Lastly, what are you most proud of?

What I’m most proud of is our team’s accomplishments and seeing us continuously improve. I take pride in my personal growth within my role, as well as supporting the growth of my colleagues. Additionally, I’m proud of my resilience to stay committed to this career path.