Imagine the impact: 15,000 state-of-the-art helmets, absolutely free, arriving at every Colorado high school football program! The Denver Broncos and Riddell just redefined player safety and athletic funding in a massive way. How will this game-changing donation shape the future of youth football in the Centennial State?
The **Denver Broncos**, in a landmark philanthropic effort, have partnered with Riddell to donate over 15,000 cutting-edge Axiom **Riddell helmets** to every high school tackle football program across Colorado, signaling a significant investment in **player safety** and the future of **Colorado high school football**. This unprecedented initiative, dubbed “ALL IN. ALL COVERED.”, aims to bolster participation while dramatically enhancing the health and wellness of young athletes, representing a monumental **youth sports donation** to the state’s athletic community.
At Empower Field at Mile High, a vibrant display showcases 277 colorful Riddell helmets, each representing a Colorado high school team—a powerful visual testament to the statewide passion for the sport. This inspiring exhibit underscores the **Denver Broncos**’ commitment, which began with a critical August board meeting where Owner & CEO Greg Penner, Chair Carrie Walton Penner, and President Damani Leech strategized to prevent declining participation rates and elevate player safety within **Colorado high school football**.
The ambitious plan, formulated by Broncos leadership, involved a massive donation of over 15,000 new helmets from 2025-2028, completely free of charge to schools. This nearly $12 million expenditure stands as the largest philanthropic undertaking in the Denver Broncos‘ history, demonstrating their profound dedication to the youth football community in Colorado and ensuring vital football equipment is accessible to all.
By January, the vision crystallized with the announcement of a powerful partnership between the Denver Broncos Foundation, Riddell, and the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA). This collaboration officially launched the “ALL IN. ALL COVERED.” campaign, a comprehensive program designed to execute the widespread distribution of these vital pieces of football equipment, further solidifying the youth sports donation.
Central to this initiative are Riddell’s Axiom smart helmets, renowned for their superior safety ratings by both the NFL and NFL Player’s Association in concussion and skull injury prevention. The Axiom’s innovative TRU-FIT™ SYSTEM utilizes 3D imaging for a customized fit, offering unparalleled protection and improved impact response for student athletes on the field, directly contributing to enhanced player safety.
With the 2025 high school football season already underway, Colorado schools are experiencing the immediate, positive financial impact of the “ALL IN. ALL COVERED.” program. Athletic directors frequently contend with the substantial cost of new football helmets, often exceeding $1,000 per unit, making this youth sports donation a crucial budgetary relief and a game-changer for Colorado high school football programs.
Following the program’s announcement, the Denver Broncos Foundation embarked on an extensive educational caravan across the state’s southeast. These “ALL IN. ALL COVERED.” sessions provided invaluable opportunities for administrators, coaches, parents, and students to understand the intricacies and benefits of the statewide Riddell helmets distribution program, further amplified by Broncos alumni like Tyler Polumbus, Nate Irving, and Joel Dreessen who assisted in deliveries, highlighting the holistic approach to player safety.
