On Tuesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell revealed that the NFL Foundation will contribute $10,000 to Kicking The Stigma, a mental health awareness campaign launched by the Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family. The announcement was made at the NFL Combine during the annual NFL Women’s Forum to highlight efforts aimed at ending the stigma around mental health.
The forum featured Colts Owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon alongside Colts Owner, Chief Brand Officer, and President of the Indianapolis Colts Foundation, Kalen Jackson, who engaged in discussion with sports personality Pat McAfee. This donation aligns with ongoing efforts to support mental health initiatives both in Indiana and nationally.
Impact and History of Kicking The Stigma Since 2020
Established in 2020 by the Colts and the Irsay family, Kicking The Stigma has significantly influenced mental health support by distributing more than $32 million toward awareness, research, and community programs. Of this total, $7.2 million has been allocated through action grants supporting nonprofit organizations that address mental health challenges.
The initiative’s broad reach includes funding critical projects like the HOPE Family Care Center in Cicero, Indiana, which offers counseling services to uninsured and underinsured individuals, and programs such as Recovery Cafe Muncie’s MEND peer-to-peer recovery service. The 2026 cycle for Kicking The Stigma action grant applications is already open and will close on February 28, inviting nonprofit groups across the country to apply for funding.
Ongoing Activities and Campaigns Supporting Mental Health Awareness
Kicking The Stigma continues to promote mental health advocacy through various campaigns and events. Recently, a new apparel collection was released supporting the cause, available online and at the Colts Pro Shop in Lucas Oil Stadium. Additionally, Colts players, including Kenny Moore II, have openly shared their mental health journeys and will participate in awareness activities during events such as the My Cause, My Cleats game.
The Colts have also encouraged fans to disconnect from digital platforms during the team’s bye week to foster mental wellness. This includes a pause in content publication across the Colts’ official digital and social media channels for several days.
Recognition and Awards for Mental Health Efforts
The ongoing commitment of the Colts and the Irsay family to mental health has earned widespread recognition. Notably, the franchise was honored with the 2025 Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year ESPY Award, acknowledging its community impact through Kicking The Stigma. The Colts were finalists for this prestigious award for three consecutive years, underscoring their leading role in promoting mental health awareness within the sports community.
Since its founding by Jim Irsay, his family, and the Colts, Kicking The Stigma has received over $225,000 in donations to further expand its work nationwide. These funds help sustain critical programs and broaden support for mental health treatment and education.
Looking Ahead: Continued Support and Resources for Mental Health
The NFL donation mental health focus embodies a key step in a larger movement aimed at destigmatizing mental health issues through sport and community involvement. The financial support from the NFL Foundation enables Kicking The Stigma to maintain and grow its outreach, ensuring more residents, especially in Indiana and beyond, have access to essential mental health resources.
With the 2026 action grants accepting applications until the end of February, nonprofits and organizations are urged to participate and secure funding that can enhance mental health services. The Indianapolis Colts Foundation, led by Kalen Jackson, remains active in coordinating these efforts, working closely with community partners to expand the initiative’s impact.
For more information or to access mental health support, resources are available at KickingTheStigma.org, affirming a commitment to improving mental health outcomes across the United States.
starting the NFL women’s forum off with support for @KickingStigma. 💙 pic.twitter.com/1q5KMudZpz
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 24, 2026
starting the NFL women’s forum off with support for @KickingStigma. 💙 pic.twitter.com/1q5KMudZpz
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 24, 2026
