Great teams know that what happens off the field matters just as much as what happens on it. The Colts have been proving that with their powerful mental health initiative, Kicking the Stigma. Created by the Irsay family, the program is focused on raising awareness, reducing shame, and expanding access to mental health resources across Indiana and beyond.
This year, the Colts organization awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to nonprofits tackling mental health challenges head-on. Players including Michael Pittman Jr.., Zaire Franklin, and Ryan Kelly have spoken openly about mental health and participated in community events that give people space to feel seen and supported. The initiative has already raised millions and continues to fund programs for youth outreach and mental health education.
For Champs with Champs, this story embodies what it means to celebrate real champions. The Colts are winning on and off the field. Their work with Kicking the Stigma shows that strength isn’t just about physical performance; it’s about compassion, conversation, and courage. The real victory here is creating a culture where asking for help is seen as an act of resilience, not weakness.
The Colts are showing the city of Indianapolis, and the rest of the league, that impact and excellence can go hand in hand. This is what it looks like when a team turns purpose into power.
