Tackling Mental Health Through The Power Of Sports
Since 2022, the Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family have dedicated two NFL home games to promote Kicking The Stigma and mental health awareness. During these games, players, coaches, and fans alike wear inspirational Kicking The Stigma gear that features motivating messages and reminders that vulnerability is a strength.
Fans at Lucas Oil Stadium are encouraged to learn about mental health, speak up about their own struggles, and celebrate the mental health professionals in our community. Now, these Kicking The Stigma games are a cornerstone of our culture, as Colts Nation comes together to rally around the importance of mental health.
Cheer On Our Mental Health Professionals
One of our game-day traditions is the annual Mental Health Professionals Breakfast, where we recognize the diligence and dedication of Hoosiers working in the mental health sector. Before our regular season Kicking The Stigma game, hundreds of local psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and behavioral health specialists are invited to Lucas Oil Stadium for a pregame breakfast in appreciation of their service.
Our team personally welcomes them to the event and then escorts them onto the field to hold the American flag during the National Anthem. To date, the Colts have honored more than 350 mental health professionals from Indiana and thanked them for their tireless work in the field.
Support The Cause. Wear With Pride.
Ready to help kick the stigma? We need all Colts fans to gear up and show their support for mental health awareness! Each year, we release new Kicking The Stigma apparel designed to help start the conversation, while proudly representing the Colts white and blue.
Proceeds from our Kicking The Stigma merchandise also go directly to our Action Grant Fund, which helps support mental health programs and nonprofits in our communities.