Indianapolis Colts Honored with ESPY Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year Award for ‘Kicking the Stigma’

The announcement, made on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, marks a historic milestone for the Colts, who became the first major professional sports franchise to launch a comprehensive initiative specifically focused on mental health disorders and the pervasive stigma surrounding them. It also signifies a culmination of years of dedicated effort, as the Colts had been a finalist for this award in each of the past three years. They now join an exclusive group as only the third NFL team to ever receive this recognition, following the Denver Broncos (2022) and San Francisco 49ers (2017).

The Genesis of a Movement: ‘Kicking the Stigma’

“Kicking the Stigma” is more than just a campaign; it’s a deeply personal mission for the Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family, particularly the late owner and CEO Jim Irsay. Launched in 2020, the initiative was born from a recognition of the urgent mental health crisis in Indiana and across the nation, coupled with the Irsay family’s firsthand experiences and their desire to leverage the powerful platform of the NFL to drive meaningful change.

Jim Irsay, who openly shared his own battles with addiction and mental health challenges, envisioned an initiative that would not only raise awareness but also actively work to dismantle the shame and prejudice often associated with mental illness. His daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon (CEO), Casey Foyt (Executive Vice President), and Kalen Jackson (Chief Brand Officer), have passionately carried this torch, making it a cornerstone of the Colts’ community efforts. As Kalen Jackson eloquently put it, “Instead of the story being told about us, we wanted to tell our own story in hopes of helping others who are struggling.”

The statistics underscore the critical need for such an initiative: one in five American adults, including one in four Indiana residents, will suffer from a mental health disorder in their lifetime. Furthermore, one in six youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. These numbers highlight a widespread issue that often goes unaddressed due to fear, misunderstanding, and the pervasive stigma that discourages individuals from seeking help. The Irsay family realized that if people were desperate enough to reach out to a football team for guidance on mental health, there was a profound societal void that needed to be filled.

A Multifaceted Approach: Pillars of Impact

“Kicking the Stigma” operates on a comprehensive, two-fold mission: to raise awareness about the prevalence of mental health disorders and to raise and distribute funding to nonprofits and other organizations for direct treatment services. This mission is guided by four key pillars of focus:

1. Intentional Awareness: Bringing visibility to mental health by openly discussing the issue and sharing personal stories. This includes public service announcements, social media campaigns, and national television spots. The Colts and the Irsay family utilize their extensive platforms to normalize conversations around mental health, demonstrating that it’s okay not to be okay and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
2. Community Collaboration: Creating opportunities to normalize conversations and engage directly with communities. The Colts actively partner with local organizations across Indiana, hosting events and programming designed to make mental health a priority topic. This includes Community Tuesday programming, Mental Health Awareness Nights, and building initiatives around major sporting events in Indianapolis.
3. Purposeful Philanthropy: Providing intentional funding to mental health organizations for research, treatment, and support services. Since its inception, the Colts and the Irsay family have committed more than $31 million to these goals. Over $6.4 million of this has been distributed through “Action Grants” to more than 60 non-profit organizations, funding critical research, expanding access to treatment, and breaking down barriers for residents of Indiana and beyond. Notable recipients include Children’s TherAplay, Recovery Cafe Muncie, and the HOPE Family Care Center.
4. Systemic Change: A long-term commitment to eradicating mental health stigma and influencing broader systemic improvements in mental healthcare. This pillar involves advocating for policy changes, supporting research institutes, and fostering a culture where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. A prime example is the Irsay family’s personal $3 million donation to establish the Irsay Institute at Indiana University, dedicated to researching and addressing the stigma associated with mental illness.

Tangible Impact and Far-Reaching Influence

The impact of “Kicking the Stigma” has been profound and measurable. Beyond the significant financial commitment, the initiative has generated hundreds of millions of impressions through its awareness campaigns, reaching a vast audience and sparking countless conversations. The annual “Beyond the Sidelines” fundraiser, hosted by the Indianapolis Colts and the Indianapolis Colts Foundation, has raised over $3.6 million to support mental health education, support, and advocacy programs. These events feature musical performers, sportscasters, and wellness instructors, drawing in diverse audiences and further normalizing discussions around mental well-being.

Since 2022, the Colts have dedicated an annual home game to “Kicking the Stigma” and mental health awareness, honoring and recognizing more than 740 mental health professionals for their tireless work. During pregame warmups, players and coaching staff proudly wear “Kicking the Stigma” apparel with inspirational messages, and merchandise sales at the Colts Pro Shop directly support the Action Grants program.

The initiative has also extended its reach through unique collaborations. In 2023, the Colts partnered with the Chicago Bears on a joint-service project, creating “Kindness Kits” and writing notes of appreciation to mental health professionals. This expanded in 2024 with the Arizona Cardinals, demonstrating a commitment to fostering mental health advocacy across the NFL. Furthermore, the “My Cause My Cleats” NFL initiative has seen more than 41 Colts players choose to support “Kicking the Stigma” by sporting custom cleats during games, amplifying the message to a national audience.

The Irsay Institute at Indiana University, a direct result of the Irsay family’s philanthropy, is a testament to the long-term vision of “Kicking the Stigma.” The institute brings together over 50 faculty, scholars, and staff from various disciplines to conduct transdisciplinary research at the intersection of health and social sciences. Their work focuses on understanding how social networks and culture influence health, illness, and healing, with a particular emphasis on reducing stigma. Programs like “U Bring Change to Mind,” a national pilot to develop college mental health programs, have received grants from “Kicking the Stigma” to revive campus culture by emphasizing mental health.

Why the ESPY Award? A Recognition of Authentic Leadership

The ESPY Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year Award is not merely about financial contributions; it’s about demonstrating how teamwork can create a measurable impact on a community or cause. The Colts’ victory in this category is a clear affirmation that their efforts with “Kicking the Stigma” have gone above and beyond.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell lauded the Colts’ authentic commitment, stating, “Jim had such a capacity to care for people, to take the bold step to do something different and to make a difference in the world. So it didn’t surprise me at all when the Irsay family, led by Jim, really came out with the Kicking the Stigma initiative because it’s what Jim’s all about — doing something different to make the world a better place.” This endorsement from the league’s highest office highlights the pioneering nature of the Colts’ work.

Kalen Jackson, upon receiving the award, emphasized the life-saving potential of their advocacy. “In the mental health space, any award like this or any light being shown in this area is just so important and saves lives simply by talking about it,” she said. “I hope that anyone seeing us receive it or hearing the story of Kicking the Stigma, I hope that it makes those people that are suffering silence know they are not alone. And that we are going to continue to fight the fight to get more resources, the fight to bring this to people’s attention and make people realize the need in this space is still extremely high, and we’re not stopping any time soon.”

The Colts’ consistent presence as a finalist for the award over the past three years speaks to the sustained nature of their commitment. They haven’t just made a one-time donation or hosted a single event; they have built a comprehensive, ongoing initiative that integrates mental health advocacy into the very fabric of their organization and community outreach. Their willingness to be vulnerable and share personal stories has resonated deeply, fostering an environment where individuals feel more comfortable seeking help.

The Broader Significance: A Blueprint for Change

The Indianapolis Colts’ recognition at the ESPY Awards for “Kicking the Stigma” sends a powerful message across the sports world and beyond. It serves as a blueprint for how professional organizations can leverage their influence and resources to address critical social issues. In an era where mental health is increasingly recognized as a public health imperative, the Colts have demonstrated proactive leadership, setting a standard for other teams and leagues to follow.

Their initiative goes beyond simply raising awareness; it actively works to expand access to treatment and support services, directly impacting lives. By partnering with mental health professionals, funding research, and engaging with communities at a grassroots level, “Kicking the Stigma” is contributing to systemic change.

The Colts’ example encourages other sports franchises to embrace their role as community leaders and advocates for well-being. It highlights the importance of authenticity, long-term commitment, and a willingness to tackle sensitive topics head-on. As the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, the Indianapolis Colts stand as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of sports when combined with genuine humanitarian effort. Their ESPY Award is not just an accolade; it’s a validation of a courageous and compassionate journey that continues to save lives and inspire change.