LONE TREE, Colo. — The Denver Broncos are set to donate over 15,000 helmets to high school football teams across Colorado in a pioneering effort for safety in youth sports. This initiative, known as “All In, All Covered,” is a collaborative project between the team’s foundation, Riddell, and the Colorado High School Activities Association, aiming to provide a total of 15,516 Riddell Axiom smart helmets to all 277 high schools with tackle football programs over the next four years.
The concept for this program emerged during a foundation board meeting in August, where Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner and fellow board members discussed strategies to eliminate barriers to participation in football, which include financial constraints and safety issues. “In line with our foundation’s principles of equity and innovation, this unprecedented initiative will significantly impact how schools and governing entities prioritize the health and safety of student-athletes,” remarked Carrie Walton Penner, the team owner and chair of the foundation board.
The Broncos are heralding this as the largest philanthropic contribution in the franchise’s 65-year lineage. Although the team has not disclosed specific figures, the typical cost of each smart helmet exceeds $800, suggesting a retail value that could surpass $12 million for all helmets combined, not accounting for ongoing maintenance and analytical support provided to the schools.
Following their efforts to secure sanctioning for girls high school flag football in 2024, the team views this initiative as a commitment towards equitable access to the sport for future generations, explained Damani Leech, president of the team and foundation board.
Chosen for its safety features and performance, the Riddell Axiom helmet, already in use by several Broncos players, provides 3D imaging for a customizable fit and a sophisticated impact response protection system. The helmets are also enhanced with technology for impact sensing and reporting.
In addition, the Broncos Foundation will supply each participating school with a four-year subscription to a monitoring device designed to track and analyze impact history. This tool will assist coaches in pinpointing technical flaws that could lead to head injuries, helping to improve safety and athletic performance.
Allie Engelken, who serves as the vice president of community impact and executive director of the Broncos Foundation, noted that the 3D imaging scans allow for the re-fitting of helmets during the usual reconditioning process. “With the average helmet lifespan being between eight to ten years, the potential reach is significant, as we could witness anywhere from 75,000 to 155,000 kids utilizing these helmets over the next 13 years,” she said.
The Broncos plan to commence helmet distribution to schools starting in May, accompanied by starter kits and essential maintenance equipment.
CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger expressed his astonishment at the initiative, stating, “A collective ‘wow’ would definitely be appropriate. It’s hard to fully grasp the type of impact this initiative will bring about.”
